Unlicensed contractor accused of $11K fraud in Stuart kitchen job

Homeowners left with unfinished work after paying thousands upfront

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:57pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a partially demolished kitchen countertop, the rough edges and exposed materials creating a sense of disruption and unfinished work.A botched kitchen renovation project leaves homeowners with an unfinished, damaged space after paying thousands upfront to an unlicensed contractor.West Palm Beach Today

A 45-year-old unlicensed contractor has been arrested in Stuart, Florida for allegedly defrauding homeowners out of $11,000 in a botched kitchen renovation project that was left unfinished.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks homeowners face when hiring unlicensed contractors, who may take large upfront payments and fail to complete the work as promised, leaving residents out of pocket and with unfinished projects.

The details

According to police, the contractor, identified as James Harrington, was hired by a local couple to renovate their kitchen. Harrington allegedly accepted $11,000 upfront from the homeowners but then failed to complete the work, leaving the kitchen in disarray.

  • The alleged incidents occurred between March and April 2026.

The players

James Harrington

A 45-year-old unlicensed contractor accused of defrauding homeowners in a botched kitchen renovation project.

Local couple

Homeowners who hired Harrington to renovate their kitchen and paid him $11,000 upfront, only to be left with unfinished work.

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What they’re saying

“Homeowners should always verify a contractor's license and insurance before hiring them for any major home renovation project.”

— Detective Sarah Johnson, Stuart Police Department

What’s next

The Stuart Police Department is continuing to investigate the case, and Harrington is facing charges of grand theft and operating without a license.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners to thoroughly vet contractors, obtain multiple quotes, and never pay large sums upfront before work is completed to avoid becoming victims of fraud and unfinished projects.