A Grand Rapids-based general contractor is facing charges for fraud, based on stalled homebuilding projects in Leelanau County.

The Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office announced on Tuesday that it had completed an “initial contractor fraud investigation” into the activities of David Jon Jenkins, a 23-year-old general contractor from the Grand Rapids area.

According to a press release, Leelanau County deputies were contacted in December “by victims in Georgia who were in the process of building a new residence in Leelanau County.” The victims had reportedly “fronted almost $800,000” to a Grand Rapids general contracting firm called Jenkins Estates to lead the construction of their new home. But while several sub-contractors had started work on the project, they all ultimately stopped because none of them were getting paid.

The situation prompted local detectives to execute “several search warrants for financial records,” as well as to conduct interviews with sub-contractors who were supposed to be involved in the project. While those investigations were underway, the sheriff’s office received two other complaints from within Leelanau County pertaining to Jenkins Estates projects. The sheriff’s office also learned at this time that the Grand Rapids Police Department was “actively investigating this general contractor for similar activities in their area.”

In late March, the sheriff’s office authorized several criminal charges against Jenkins and his business, including contractor fraud and false pretenses involving property values of $100,000 or more. Both of those crimes are felonies, and the latter carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Jenkins subsequently turned himself in to the Sheriff’s Office and was arrested.

Per the Sheriff’s Office, “other investigations are ongoing” in this case. Those with information about Jenkins Estates and its alleged crimes – including other potential victims – are asked to contact Leelanau County Dispatch at 231-256-8800.