CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An investigation led by West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s office has resulted in the indictment of a Nicholas County contractor.
The office announced Tuesday a grand jury had indicted Jonathan Comer with obtaining money by false pretenses. Comer was doing business under Jon Comer Construction, LLC.
Comer’s company was hired by the Greenbrier County Solid Waste Authority to upgrade a recycling drop-off area and a storage building. The Solid Waste Authority paid $73,500 in advance for the job. The project was never started.
The project received public funds through a $150,000 West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection grant. The DEP’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Program (REAP) awards funding to county commissions and municipalities’ recycling efforts.
Without the project started, the Solid Waste Authority was placed in violation of the grant’s terms and owes the DEP $150,000.
“Our office leaves no stone unturned when investigating fraudulent and deceptive business practices,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Our diligence ensures taxpayers will be protected and schemers will be brought to justice.”
Comer faces up to 10 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine. The Greenbrier County Prosecutor’s Office is handling his prosecution.