Milwaukee contractor charged with stealing money from homeowners in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties

WAUKESHA, WI (CBS 58) – Gregory E. Cash, 53, is facing six counts of theft by contractor in Waukesha County. And an additional four counts in Milwaukee County.

Investigators say he took money from homeowners and never did the work he promised.

CBS 58 spoke with one victim as she walked us through what her kitchen was supposed to look like.

“I retired and I was trying to save enough in the 401K to do my kitchen and I know kitchens aren’t cheap,” says Deborah McSwain.

Deborah and her husband signed a contract with Gregory Cash who was doing businesses under the name Buendel, LLC. Their kitchen remodel was worth more than $29,000. More than $14,000 was given as a down payment but no work was ever done.

“The money I had given him he no longer had,” says McSwain. “He said if you still work with me I can get it done, but I need more money”.

The couple declined but says they have yet to see any of that deposit. Deborah says it’s impacted her mental health – causing her depression.

According to the criminal complaints, the same thing happened to at least nine other people in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties.

“Just move and get what you want,” says McSwain. “We thought about that and we looked around but then all of a sudden your house payment goes up”.

Having to pay more was not an option for McSwain and especially not on her fixed income.

With such a financial loss, the remodel has been put on hold for Deborah.

“I would like my money back,” says McSwain. “I would like my doctor bills paid. I would just like to be happy again”.

While Deborah knows she might never see that money again, she hopes at least one victim will get their money back.

Cash is expected in Milwaukee County Court on Thursday and will make his initial appearance in Waukesha County Courthouse later in October.