Builder pays back $300K for northern Michigan job

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — An East Grand Rapids building contractor is staying out of jail by paying back more than $300,000.

The case stems from a construction job David Jon Jenkins took near Traverse City: A couple had paid him upfront to build them a house overlooking Sutton’s Bay, but Jenkins failed to pay the subcontractors.

In an April report, Target 8 investigators detailed the other unhappy customers, subcontractors and suppliers Jenkins left in his wake as he marketed his services as a high-end company called Jenkins Estates LTD.

Johannes Ploeg, who hired Jenkins to build the house on Sutton’s Bay, was worried Jenkins used his money to fund a luxurious lifestyle.

“He has a Porsche and a Tesla and a house in East Grand Rapids and he likes nice, high-end things like Rolex watches and travels,” Ploeg said.

Jenkins ultimately pleaded guilty to fraudulent use of building contractor money.

He must serve a year of probation and his lawyer said he has already paid back the money.

Because he was only 23 years old at the time of his crime, the judge agreed to sentence Jenkins under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. That means that if he sticks to the terms of his plea deal, he can end up with a clean record. But if he violates the terms of his probation, he could end up in jail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.