ROBINSON, Texas — McLennan County residents are coming forward after reportedly losing tens of thousands of dollars. They claim a Central Texas contractor didn't finish remodeling jobs.
Russell Westbrook lives in Robinson, Texas and hired Evanson Construction back in August of 2022.
Westbrook decided he wanted to do an extensive remodel on his home.
"I went through Angie's List and found what I thought was a checked-out contractor," Westbrook said. "I had a good feeling about him."
That was until Westbrook says Joseph Evans did some work and stopped at some point.
As time passed, no progress was made.
"He made it totally unlivable," Westbrook said. "And he's got a list of excuses from somebody's dog died to my truck won't start to deaths, you name it. He's got a list of 'em. Anybody needs an excuse, he's your guy, but he's not the guy to fix your house."
Now, Westbrook says he is out over $24,000 with a house left in shambles.
"It's been a nightmare," Westbrook said. "I've been living with relatives and mostly my father."
Westbrook was promised a refund and has documentation of a termination agreement. However, he has not gotten a penny back.
"We signed an agreement," Westbrook said. "He agrees he owes the money, but I haven't seen a dime of it yet. I've had many sleepless nights worrying 'How can I lose $24,000, just throw it out the window and somebody steal my money?' It's a very bitter pill to swallow."
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Westbrook spoke to Evans on a phone call with 6 News.
"I was just calling to see if you have any plans of being able to pay me back what you owe me," Westbrook said in the phone call.
Evans chose not to speak with 6 News directly, but in that phone call, Evans told Westbrook he bid on something and more money was headed his way. To Westbrook, it's just another excuse in the book.
"There's been a lot of people that you've taken advantage of like this, Joseph," Westbrook told Evans. "And I know you know right from wrong. You need to do the right thing, brother."
Westbrook hopes something can be done.
"He's still going strong and stealing money, being fraudulent to the people of McLennan County and surrounding areas," Westbrook said. "Do not let Joseph Evans anywhere near your house because it will be destroyed."
Westbrook also hopes to file a case in small claims court.
In the phone call, Evans declined to give an interview. Westbrook has since saved up money to get back in the house soon.
6 News will be sure to follow this story as it further develops.
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