Crime & Safety

Contractor Fraud Case Headed to Lehigh County Court

The fraud case against contractor Kevin W. Drake of Macungie will proceed to Lehigh County Court following a Friday preliminary hearing, according to online court records.

The case of a 55-year-old Macungie contractor who was charged last month with allegedly taking money from six Lehigh County residents and failing to complete contracted work will proceed to county court.

Kevin W. Drake remains in Lehigh County prison following a Friday morning preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge Michael Faulkner, according to online court records.

According to online court records, Faulkner reduced Drake's bail. However, he could not post that bail, according to the online court records.

Find out what's happening in Upper Macungiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Drake was charged with six counts of theft by deception and six counts of home improvement fraud in April after taking money from the six potential customers and not completing or starting work. All charges are third-degree felonies.

Upper Macungie Police said the investigation started in July 2012 after an Upper Macungie resident filed a complaint that alleged Drake was paid for home improvement work that was started but never completed.

Find out what's happening in Upper Macungiewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

An investigation, assisted by the Lehigh County District Attorney's office, identified six people who signed contracts and paid money to Drake.

Police said the work was either never started or never completed during a time period spanning July 2012 to January.

Police said two victims were from Upper Macungie Township, three from Lower Macungie Township and one from Lower Milford Township.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.