85th Contractor Charged with Felony Home Repair Fraud

From: Attorney General News Release   File 8/22/08  GCN

Jackson, Miss.- Attorney General Jim Hood announced  this week the arrest of Mark D. Hamburg, age 39, of Quitman, on August 18, 2008, for misdemeanor home repair fraud and contracting without a license.

An investigation by the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office was prompted after a complaint was filed by a Pass Christian home owner whose home had been heavily damaged after Hurricane Katrina.

The home owner alleged that Hamburg's repairs to  the home were poorly executed, and some of the work completed was in violation of the building codes. It was also discovered that Hamburg did not meet the necessary requirements set forth by the State Board of Contractors.

Harrison County Justice Court Judge Gene Dedeaux set bail at $2,500 for each charge for a total of $5,000. On August 19, 2008, Hamburg was transported from Quitman to Gulfport, where he was booked into the Harrison County Adult Detention Center.

"Hamburg marks the 85th arrest in Home Repair Fraud by the Attorney General's Office," said Attorney General Hood. For a complete list of tips on preventing home repair fraud as well as the names of all those arrested in conjunction with Operation Hammer Strike, please visit http://www.agjimhood.com.

As with all cases, the charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.