A Cape Coral man is accused of stealing more than one million dollars from residents in Lee and Charlotte counties who were struggling to rebuild after hurricanes Irma and Ian.According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Reife Petersen, owner of JKS Construction and Engineering, allegedly defrauded at least 24 people — many of them elderly — over the past four years. Investigators say Petersen took deposits for roof and home repairs but never completed the work.Court records show Petersen was arrested Wednesday in Charlotte County and now faces 20 felony charges. His contractor’s license was revoked last year. He also faces a separate, ongoing case accusing him of scamming a Charlotte County woman out of nearly $200,000.Among those affected are David and Ariel Burnham of Cape Coral, who say they paid Petersen $11,000 to repair their roof after Hurricane Ian — but the work was never finished.“We were promised over and over again that it was about to get done next week,” said David Burnham.“Next week, next week—until it never happened,” added Ariel Burnham.The Burnhams say Petersen started the job, then disappeared without refunding their money.“No, we didn’t get our money back,” Ariel said. “And do we think we’re going to? Probably not. But we do think there’s going to be justice.” David Burnham said what frustrates him most is how many vulnerable people were taken advantage of.“For anyone to look a sweet girl like her — or an elderly woman — in the eye, take their money, and walk away … that’s the worst of the worst.”The Burnhams hope sharing their story will protect others. David Burnham advised, “Go find a contractor that truly cares and takes an interest. There’s so many people out there that are just in it to make money.”The Burnhams also extended forgiveness, saying, “If he’s watching this, if his family is watching this, we want you guys to know that there is forgiveness available from us. And most importantly for Jesus.”DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —
A Cape Coral man is accused of stealing more than one million dollars from residents in Lee and Charlotte counties who were struggling to rebuild after hurricanes Irma and Ian.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Reife Petersen, owner of JKS Construction and Engineering, allegedly defrauded at least 24 people — many of them elderly — over the past four years. Investigators say Petersen took deposits for roof and home repairs but never completed the work.
Court records show Petersen was arrested Wednesday in Charlotte County and now faces 20 felony charges. His contractor’s license was revoked last year. He also faces a separate, ongoing case accusing him of scamming a Charlotte County woman out of nearly $200,000.
Among those affected are David and Ariel Burnham of Cape Coral, who say they paid Petersen $11,000 to repair their roof after Hurricane Ian — but the work was never finished.
“We were promised over and over again that it was about to get done next week,” said David Burnham.
“Next week, next week—until it never happened,” added Ariel Burnham.
The Burnhams say Petersen started the job, then disappeared without refunding their money.
“No, we didn’t get our money back,” Ariel said. “And do we think we’re going to? Probably not. But we do think there’s going to be justice.”
David Burnham said what frustrates him most is how many vulnerable people were taken advantage of.
“For anyone to look a sweet girl like her — or an elderly woman — in the eye, take their money, and walk away … that’s the worst of the worst.”
The Burnhams hope sharing their story will protect others. David Burnham advised, “Go find a contractor that truly cares and takes an interest. There’s so many people out there that are just in it to make money.”
The Burnhams also extended forgiveness, saying, “If he’s watching this, if his family is watching this, we want you guys to know that there is forgiveness available from us. And most importantly for Jesus.”
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.