Contractor Accused of Embezzling Money From Projects He Never Completed

A Tulsa-area contractor faces felony charges for allegedly embezzling $1.2 million from unsuspecting customers, leaving a trail of unfinished projects and financial distress across Oklahoma communities.

At a Glance

Todd Douglas Briggs charged with 17 counts of felony embezzlement
Over $1.2 million allegedly stolen from 17 customers
Victims left with unfinished projects and liens on their homes
Attorney General vows to hold deceitful business practices accountable

Contractor’s Alleged Scheme Unravels

In a case that has sent shockwaves through Oklahoma’s construction industry, Todd Douglas Briggs, owner of T Briggs Construction and Oasis Pools and Outdoor Living, stands accused of orchestrating a massive embezzlement scheme. The charges, filed in Creek County, allege that Briggs pocketed over $1.2 million from 17 unsuspecting customers for home and pool construction projects he never completed.

The investigation, spearheaded by Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s Consumer Protection Unit, revealed a pattern of deception that left many Oklahomans hanging. Briggs allegedly accepted substantial payments for projects, only to inform customers in July 2023 that he was filing for bankruptcy, leaving them high and dry with unfinished work and unpaid subcontractors.

Oklahoma contractor charged with embezzling from Owasso, Collinsville customers https://t.co/XgjURNmdLo

— Owasso Reporter (@owassoreporter) August 14, 2024

Communities Left Reeling

The impact of Briggs’ alleged crimes extends far beyond individual homeowners. Communities across the Tulsa area, including Jenks, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Collinsville, Sapulpa, Bixby, and Beggs, have been affected. Many victims now face the daunting prospect of liens on their properties due to unpaid subcontractors, adding insult to injury for those already grappling with incomplete projects and lost funds.

“I am committed to holding accountable anyone who engages in deceitful business practices to take advantage of hardworking Oklahomans,” Drummond said. “I appreciate the work of the attorneys, investigators and staff in the Consumer Protection Unit as we pursue justice for the families who were exploited.”

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when hiring contractors. It also highlights the need for stronger consumer protections in the construction industry, an issue that has long plagued honest businesses and homeowners alike.

Legal Ramifications and Next Steps

The charges against Briggs are severe, reflecting the gravity of his alleged crimes. If convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison and substantial fines for each of the embezzlement charges. The first two counts alone carry potential sentences of up to five years each, with the remaining charges potentially adding decades more to his sentence.

As the legal process unfolds, one may be left wondering how such extensive fraud could have gone undetected for so long. The case began to unravel when a company employee reported suspicious activities to the Tulsa Police Department, leading to the broader investigation by the Consumer Protection Unit.

For those who may have fallen victim to similar schemes, Attorney General Drummond urges contact with the Consumer Protection Unit at 1-833-681-1895 or through the official website at Oklahoma.gov/oag. This proactive approach not only aids in ongoing investigations but also helps prevent future fraud by alerting authorities to potential bad actors in the industry.

As this case moves forward, it serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners and a call to action for lawmakers. Strengthening oversight in the construction industry and enhancing penalties for those who exploit trusting customers could go a long way in preventing similar incidents in the future. For now, the victims of this alleged scheme can only hope that justice will be served, and that their ordeal will lead to positive changes that protect others from falling prey to such deceitful practices.