Sumter County deputies have arrested a Belleview man on felony charges of defrauding an 81-year-old Villages resident of $5,000, paid in advance for the construction of a pergola. Although the victim’s check was cashed immediately after it was received, no work was ever performed.
Deputies arrested Jason Ashley Mayhew, 44, on a Sumter County warrant charging him with fraud and grand theft. Because Mayhew was on felony probation for fraud at the time of the incident, he was also charged with violation of probation. Mayhew is being held without bond at the Sumter County Detention Center.
In February, Mayhew, representing MJM Landscape and Hardscape, entered into a contract with the victim to build the pergola at his residence, and accepted a $5,000 down payment. Although Mayhew told the victim work would begin in two weeks, no permits were ever pulled, no supplies were ever delivered, and no work was ever done. In June 2017, the victim filed a complaint with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
An arrest warrant has also been issued for Michael McGowan, the owner of MJM Landscape and Hardscape, on felony counts of fraud and grand theft. McGowan remains at large, and is believed to be in either the Belleview or Ocklawaha areas. Anyone with information concerning McGowan’s whereabouts is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency.
