Oriska, North Dakota – A Barnes County man is facing multiple criminal charges after investigators say he accepted tens of thousands of dollars for construction work that was never completed. Authorities allege the case follows a familiar pattern, with prior fraud cases already tied to the same individual.
Incident Overview
According to court records, Tyler Vance, a Barnes County resident, has been charged with felony construction fraud and misdemeanor contracting without a license. The charges stem from a home construction project in Oriska, North Dakota, where a homeowner says she paid for work that was never finished.
Investigators allege Vance accepted payment for equipment and materials but failed to deliver the agreed-upon construction services or return the money.
Timeline of Events
Court documents show the agreement between Vance and the homeowner began in December 2024, when he agreed to perform construction work on her residence in Oriska. The homeowner stated that Vance promised to provide a written contract by March 2025, but no contract was ever produced.
Despite the lack of formal documentation, investigators reviewed screenshots of messages exchanged between Vance and the homeowner. Those messages reportedly show repeated requests for payments to cover equipment and supplies needed for the project.
Financial records indicate the homeowner transferred $19,800 to Vance through Venmo during the course of the agreement.
Details From Investigators
Authorities say the construction work was either minimally started or not completed at all. Court filings allege that Vance failed to refund any of the money after the project stalled.
The investigation further revealed that Vance was not properly licensed to perform the construction work, leading to the misdemeanor charge of contracting without a license.
According to information outlined in court documents available through the North Dakota Courts system, investigators believe the case fits a broader pattern of fraudulent construction practices. Relevant court information can be accessed through the state judiciary’s official website at ndcourts.gov.
Prior Cases and Legal History
Investigators noted that this is not Vance’s first encounter with construction-related fraud allegations. At the time of this incident, Vance was reportedly on probation for a previous construction fraud case in Dickey County.
In addition, authorities confirmed that Vance had an active warrant related to another construction fraud case out of Valley City. That warrant was outstanding when the Barnes County charges were filed.
Law enforcement officials say these prior cases played a role in how the current charges were pursued and evaluated.
Current Custody Status
Vance is currently being held at the Barnes County Jail, where he remains in custody pending court proceedings. Records show his initial court appearance is scheduled for January 16.
If convicted, felony construction fraud charges in North Dakota can carry serious penalties, including potential prison time, restitution orders, and long-term restrictions on working in the construction industry.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Defendant: Tyler Vance
- Location: Oriska, North Dakota
- Amount Paid: $19,800
- Payment Method: Venmo
- Charges: Felony construction fraud, misdemeanor contracting without a license
- Custody: Held at Barnes County Jail
- Court Date: January 16
- Prior Issues: On probation for a Dickey County fraud case; active warrant from Valley City
Construction Fraud and Consumer Awareness
Cases like this highlight the risks homeowners face when hiring contractors without verified licenses or written contracts. Consumer protection officials often advise homeowners to confirm licensing, insist on written agreements, avoid large upfront payments, and document all transactions.
Construction fraud remains a recurring issue nationwide, particularly during periods of high demand for home repairs and renovations.
Conclusion
The charges against Tyler Vance underscore ongoing concerns about construction fraud in Barnes County and surrounding areas. With multiple prior cases already tied to the suspect, authorities say the investigation serves as a reminder for homeowners to remain cautious when hiring contractors.
If you or someone you know has experienced similar issues with unfinished construction work or contractor fraud, reporting concerns early can help prevent further losses. Share your experiences in the comments below.
