Avon Contractor Sentenced for $3M Fraud Schemes

Jeffrey Crawford pleaded guilty to scamming clients and investors out of nearly $3 million.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 9:48am

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A 51-year-old Avon, Ohio contractor named Jeffrey Crawford was sentenced in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas on Monday for two separate fraud schemes totaling nearly $3 million. Crawford pleaded guilty in February to forging documents and misusing loan funds intended for home construction projects, as well as taking investments from individuals and failing to repay them.

Why it matters

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and regulation of the home construction industry, where unscrupulous contractors can easily take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners and investors. It also underscores the financial and emotional toll that fraud can take on victims, many of whom lost their life savings.

The details

According to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley, Crawford engaged in two separate schemes between 2021 and 2023. In the first, he forged documents to banks claiming construction work was completed and contractors were paid, when in reality the homes were incomplete and workers unpaid. He then used the loan funds for other projects or personal expenses. In the second scheme, Crawford took investments totaling $430,000 from three individuals, promising to repay them with a profit, but failed to do so and even provided some investors with bounced checks.

  • In 2021, Crawford engaged in transactions with clients to build three homes valued at $1.3 million, $650,000 and $600,000.
  • In 2023, Crawford took $50,000, $300,000, and $80,000 investments from three individuals, totaling $430,000.
  • In February 2026, Crawford pleaded guilty to the two schemes.
  • On March 23, 2026, Crawford was sentenced in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.

The players

Jeffrey Crawford

The 51-year-old owner of Cleveland Custom Homes, who pleaded guilty to two fraud schemes totaling nearly $3 million.

Michael C. O'Malley

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor who outlined the details of Crawford's fraudulent activities.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and regulation of the home construction industry, where unscrupulous contractors can easily take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners and investors.”

— Michael C. O'Malley, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor

What’s next

Crawford will be sentenced on Monday, March 23, 2026 in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.

The takeaway

This case serves as a warning to homeowners and investors to thoroughly vet contractors and be vigilant against potential fraud schemes in the home construction industry. Stronger regulations and enforcement are needed to protect consumers from unscrupulous actors like Jeffrey Crawford.