Waukesha Man Charged with Theft by Contractor

A Waukesha man is facing charges after he allegedly took money to do repairs on another man’s home, but never did any work.

Scott C. Brauch, 55, was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court Monday with one count of theft by contractor. If convicted, he faces up to nine months in prison and $10,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim met Brauch when he painted his home while working for another company and after seeing how good of a job he did, the man hired him to replace some rotting boards, along with building a gate and steps. Brauch agreed to do the work for $800 and asked for $500 down.

Brauch also signed a contract with the man saying he would begin the work March 21.

After being interviewed by officers, Brauch told them he did plan to do the work and admitted to cashing a check for $500 from the victim, but he had gotten sidetracked by bad weather, a family illness and another job he needed to finish. He said he talked to the victim about repaying the money, but he ended up getting arrested and was placed in Huber jail, the complaint states.

He said he planned to repay the victim after being released and officers gave him a couple of days to make good on the promise, but Brauch still didn’t give back the money, according to complaint.