A Kirkland home remodeler, Jed Burgevin, has pled guilty to defrauding customers out of more than $3.5 million. Burgevin, who had marketed himself as a trustworthy lifetime resident of Kirkland dedicated to making clients feel like family, has been accused of a systematic scheme involving fake invoices and non-payment to subcontractors.
Elaborate Fraud Scheme
According to the FBI, Burgevin’s fraudulent activities were sophisticated and extensive. He would create fake invoices using logos from legitimate subcontractors or inventing them entirely, and then present these invoices to his clients, claiming he had already made the payments. The clients, believing these invoices were legitimate, would then reimburse him. This cycle allowed Burgevin to collect significant sums of money without actually paying the subcontractors.
Impact on Homeowners
The impact on homeowners was substantial. Many clients had invested large amounts of money, hoping to see their dream homes materialize. Instead, they were left with incomplete projects and substantial financial losses. The FBI revealed that Burgevin’s deception went unnoticed by many clients until they independently verified the invoices with the subcontractors. When confronted, the subcontractors denied any knowledge of the invoices, exposing Burgevin’s fraudulent activities.
Homeowners Fight Back
Despite the elaborate nature of Burgevin’s scheme, some homeowners were diligent enough to uncover the fraud. They approached the subcontractors directly, presenting the invoices they had received from Burgevin. The subcontractors consistently refuted the authenticity of these documents, confirming that they had never issued such invoices. This proactive approach by the homeowners played a crucial role in bringing Burgevin’s fraudulent activities to light.
Promises of Lower Rates
Burgevin also convinced some victims to pay him upfront by promising lower rates for services. This tactic further enticed homeowners to part with large sums of money, hoping to secure a better deal for their remodeling projects. Unfortunately, these upfront payments were never utilized for the intended purposes, and the homeowners were left without the promised savings or completed projects.
Legal Consequences
As of now, Burgevin is not in jail, but he is scheduled to be sentenced in early November. Wire fraud, the primary charge against him, carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison. The extent of Burgevin’s punishment will depend on the outcome of the sentencing hearing.
Potential for Restitution
The financial impact on the victims is significant, with some families losing several hundred thousand dollars each. One of the critical questions is whether the victims will be able to recover any of their lost money. The FBI has indicated that Burgevin does not currently possess the financial resources to make restitution, nor does he have assets of substantial value that could be seized and sold. However, the FBI has not ruled out the possibility of some restitution being made through future legal proceedings.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under close watch, with the FBI and other authorities continuing to investigate Burgevin’s activities and any potential avenues for recovering the lost funds. The situation is a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when engaging contractors for significant projects and the potential consequences of fraudulent activities in the home remodeling industry.
Conclusion
Jed Burgevin’s guilty plea marks a significant development in a case that has left many homeowners in financial distress. His fraudulent scheme, which involved fake invoices and false promises, underscores the need for vigilance and verification in financial transactions. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will remain on securing justice for the victims and exploring potential restitution avenues. The community will be watching closely as Burgevin faces sentencing, hoping for a resolution that addresses the harm caused by his deceptive practices.
