FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTRACTOR GETS PRISON FOR THEFT FROM ELDERLY

San Antonio, Texas: March 9, 2010

Scott A. Hardin, age 45, was sentenced to ten years in prison by 187th District Judge Raymond Angelini for Theft $20,000-$100,000-Elderly and Misapplication of Fiduciary Property $20,000-$100,000-Elderly. Hardin was also ordered to pay over $140,032.50 in restitution.

Hardin owned 5-H Remodeling and Hardin Builders and advertised on a local television station as a reputable company during the station’s makeover series. The victims in the case hired Hardin to renovate their homes, modernize kitchens, update bathrooms, and other projects. Hardin required most of the victims to pay large down payments for their projects. Hardin took payments for various jobs totaling $140,032.50 from nine different complainants. The actual work performed and services rendered were minimal.

Theft $20,000-$100,000-Elderly and Misapplication of Fiduciary Property $20,000-$100,000-Elderly are second-degree felonies. The defendant plead guilty to three felonies involving elderly victims. Under the terms of the plea agreement, because the Defendant failed to pay any restitution to the victims prior to sentencing, the State asked for and received the maximum term under the plea agreement of ten years in prison.

For more information contact Adriana H. Biggs, Chief, White Collar Crime Division at 210-335-2404.