Contractor took $60k deposit for pool project in Shelby Township then never started job, police say

Brandon Lewis Heitmann is charged on counts of false pretenses of more than $50,000 and the fraudulent use of a building contract fund after he took a $60,000 deposit for a swimming pool project he never started.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (FOX 2) - Police are asking anyone who has hired a 30-year-old contractor out of Washington Township to contact Shelby Township after the man's arrest and arraignment.

Heitmann, who owns Exigent Design was identified by Shelby Township Police after he was paid the sum of money by a resident for an unground pool at her home. He said the job would be completed by June 2023.

After given the deposit, the contractor never started the job.

He then admitted to having financial problems before saying he couldn't complete the work or refund the money to the homeowners.

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Since bringing the case to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, authorities have identified another case involving Heitmann. Chief Robert Shelide asked if anyone who thinks they've been scammed by the contractor to file a report with the department.

Police will hand yet another case over to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s office next week.

Sgt Mark Benedettini says to always make sure contractors are licensed, read the reviews and agree on a reasonable deposit.

"I would definitely work on incremental deposits once 25% of the job is complete, give them 25% of the money," he said. "When it's 50 give them 50."

Before these charges, our own Rob Wolchek has been following this guy for months and the alleged victims are racking up. it even led to a Problem Solvers confrontation.

It looks like he’s earning a spot in the Hall of Shame – much more to come on this, stay tuned.

Brandon Heitmann, 30 of Washington Township

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