William T. Hurst, Wire Fraud, West Virginia 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va.

A Kentucky man has been sentenced to prison for defrauding homeowners in three states, including West Virginia.

William T. Hurst, 45, of Morehead, Kentucky, was sentenced today to eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $35,218 in restitution to his eight victims.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Hurst falsely agreed to build pole barns for a pair of residents in Putnam and Jackson counties in March 2021. He received checks as down payments totaling $10,186. Hurst admitted that he cashed or deposited the checks at area banks for his personal use, with no intention of building either barn.

Hurst further admitted that between February 22, 2021, and March 23, 2021, he similarly scammed six other property owners in Ona and Lesage, Cabell County; Charleston, Kanawha County; Coolville and Willow Wood, Ohio; and South Shore, Kentucky. Hurst agreed to build a pole barn or other structure in each instance, but never began any work or bought any needed supplies. These residents paid Hurst a total of $25,032, which he kept for himself. Hurst eventually stopped communicating with the victims.

This case reflects the U.S. Attorney’s Office commitment to hold scammers accountable, said United States Attorney Will Thompson. ‘This office takes fraud against homeowners and other individuals seriously.’

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-41.

The victims of Hurst’s scam have been left to deal with the financial and emotional fallout. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of doing thorough research before hiring a contractor or making large payments to someone you’ve never met.

Defendant Information:

**Defendant Name:** William T. Hurst

**Criminal Charges:** Wire Fraud

**City and State:** Morehead, Kentucky

**Sentence/Outcome:** 8 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release

**Dollar Amounts:** $35,218 in restitution, $10,186 in down payments, $25,032 in total payments

**Date:** March 2021 (crime date), [current date] (sentencing date)

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