ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A Washington County, Missouri, man has been issued a criminal summons to appear in court for allegedly defrauding people who hired him to do roofing work on their home.

According to the St. Louis County Police Department’s probable cause statement, the homeowners hired Matthew J. Laiben, believing he was an employee of Conner Roofing, to fix their roof.

The victims wrote checks to Laiben on Aug. 2, 2023, in the amount of $7,215.86, for the work.

Police said Laiben never began the work and would make up delays whenever the victims requested an update.

On Oct. 25, 2023, the victims sent a certified 10-day notice to Laiben, demanding he start the work.

Police interviewed Laiben in May 2024. They said he admitted to receiving and cashing the victims’ checks.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Laiben with one count of stealing – $750 or more. Laiben has been ordered to appear in court on Dec. 17.