13th Judicial District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway reports that Michael L. Burton has been sentenced for Home Improvement Services Fraud.
Over a period of about two years, Burton reportedly held himself out as a licensed general contractor when he was not. He entered into agreements with seven (7) different families to perform home improvement construction work. He allegedly took their money and did not perform the work.
Investigators with the Sheriffs Offices in Putnam, Cumberland, White and Jackson Counties found that Burton stole over $221,000 from the various victims.
In May, Michael Burton entered a guilty plea to Home Improvement Services Fraud in all 7 cases. The Court accepted his pleas to four Class C felonies, one Class D felony and 2 Class A misdemeanors.
On August 6, 2024, a sentencing hearing was held before Criminal Court Judge Shawn Fry who imposed a 10-year sentence to serve in the custody of the Tennessee Department of Corrections. A judgment in favor of the victims ordering the payment of the full restitution was also imposed.
DAG Dunaway urges citizens to be very diligent and cautious and confirm that their contractor is licensed and insured.