Local construction fraud charge filed over unpaid metal building deposit
A warrant was issued on November 10, 2025 for the arrest of Joey Neumann of Newville, Alabama, after court records show he was paid $9,000 in April to erect a metal building in Stutsman County and allegedly performed no work within 180 days of the written agreement. The case, reported locally on November 12, 2025, underscores risks for residents engaging contractors and highlights criminal penalties for construction fraud in North Dakota.
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Stutsman County authorities issued a warrant on November 10, 2025 for the arrest of Joey Neumann of Newville, Alabama, in connection with an alleged construction fraud scheme. Court records state that Neumann received $9,000 in April as payment to erect a metal building, but abandoned the contract and completed no work within 180 days of the written agreement. The prosecutor has charged Neumann with one count of felony construction fraud, a crime that under North Dakota law carries up to five years in prison and or a ten thousand dollar fine.
The warrant and charge convert what might otherwise be a civil contracting dispute into a criminal matter, with different remedies and procedural steps for both the injured party and law enforcement. Criminal prosecution can lead to incarceration and fines, and may open the way for restitution if the court orders it. For local residents, the immediate impact is practical and financial. Nine thousand dollars represents a meaningful outlay for a single building project in a rural county, where many property owners finance improvements with savings or small loans. Beyond the direct loss, such cases erode trust in out of area contractors and raise transaction costs for future projects as homeowners demand more documentation and safeguards.
The case also points to broader policy and market implications for Stutsman County and similar rural communities. Construction fraud prosecutions can serve as a deterrent and reinforce the importance of contractual protections such as clear written agreements, progress based payments, and performance bonds where available. Locally elected officials, consumer protection groups, and industry associations may see increased demand from residents for guidance on vetting contractors and for stronger disclosure or licensing requirements. At the state level, statutory penalties of up to five years in prison and ten thousand dollars in fines reflect a legislative intent to treat certain construction failures as criminal conduct when abandonment and nonperformance are shown.
For homeowners considering construction projects, the case is a reminder to document agreements, verify a contractor s registration and references, and consider limited upfront payments tied to completed milestones. For the county, the matter will be followed for potential restitution outcomes and any signals it sends to the local construction market about accountability and enforcement. The initial report was filed locally on November 12, 2025, and court proceedings will determine whether the charge leads to conviction or other resolution.
