Christopher Paul Cheney, 43, of Cape Coral, was sentenced to 21 months in prison, followed by 120 months of state probation, for Scheme to Defraud. Cheney was a contractor who
owned Southern Premier Homes. He took money from customers to build homes but spent it on personal items and did not build the structures.
The crime was discovered when a victim went to check on the progress of their home and found out the business office, located in Cape Coral, had permanently closed. The Cape Coral Police Department investigated, leading to Cheney’s arrest.
The case was prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit. Assistant State Attorney Jessica Horowitz and Assistant State Attorney James Miller, ECU Chief.
As part of his sentence, Cheney must also make restitution of $569,303.09. He is also prohibited from holding a contractor license, or any license involving working in the banking, loan, mortgage, or real estate industry.
Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office