Unlicensed Contractor Faces Justice: A Story of Deceit and Resolution
West Jordan, Utah — Have you ever found yourself in the predicament of hiring a contractor, paying them thousands of dollars, only to have them disappear with your hard-earned money? Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than you’d expect in Utah.
The Case of Jay Jordan Dutson: A Journey Toward Repayment
In a riveting development, unlicensed contractor Jay Jordan Dutson has agreed to repay his victims, marking a long-awaited moment of justice for those who fell prey to his deceptive practices. This significant turn of events was highlighted by KSL’s Get Gephardt team, particularly in their investigative series entitled "Cited but Not Shut Down."
A Long-Awaited Court Hearing
Tuesday was a pivotal day in court for Dutson — one that many of his victims had been eagerly anticipating. Among those affected was Mark Shea, who shared his harrowing experience of having at least $15,000 siphoned away by Dutson after he failed to rectify the deck at Shea’s home in Sugarhouse.
"He walked away with at least $15,000," Shea lamented, indicating the financial blow that left him reeling.
Mark Shea explains to KSL’s Matt Gephardt where his deck had to be redone for safety concerns. (Photo: Josh Szymanik, KSL-TV)
Another victim, Kris Phillips, endured an even worse fate. Despite handing over $11,600 for deck renovations on his Holladay home, he was left with nothing.
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. He took the money," Phillips stated, reflecting on the lost investment.
The Deceptive Practices of Dutson
In an earlier investigation in February 2024, Get Gephardt uncovered that Dutson was fully aware of his illegal status as a contractor, having received citations from state regulators for operating without the necessary licenses multiple times.
Shea specifically asked Dutson if he was licensed before hiring him, only to discover the painful truth through state authorities.
Despite his unlicensed status, Dutson continued to advertise his services online, misleading potential clients by claiming he was a "licensed individual." In a revealing conversation with Get Gephardt, he clarified that he was referring to a business license, not a contractor’s license.
When confronted about his repeated contract violations, Dutson expressed that he was "working on getting it" and claimed he was doing his best to repay victims.
A Commitment to Justice: The Court Hearing
Fast forward to today, after more than a year of waiting, Dutson assured the judge — and his victims — of his commitment to restitution.
Jordan Dutson on the stand during a restitution hearing in Salt Lake City. (Photo: Meghan Thackery, KSL-TV)
"It’s a life lesson for me on this entire thing," Dutson stated during the hearing focused on determining restitution amounts. Earlier this year, he pled guilty to unlawful contracting, and in a bid to avoid jail time, he is expected to fulfill his financial obligations to his victims.
Phillips, who was present in the courtroom, expressed a sense of relief:
"I feel good justice is being served," he remarked, optimistic about the resolution of what he termed a small criminal enterprise.
Understanding the Broader Impact
As highlighted by the Utah Attorney General, contractor-related complaints constitute roughly 20% of all fraud complaints the state receives. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for consumers to exercise due diligence when hiring contractors.
State licensing regulations mandate that contractors be licensed and complete the work for which they are compensated. However, due to the limited tools available to state regulators, offenders like Dutson can exploit the system, leaving consumers to navigate a convoluted process for restitution.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
Dutson’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying a contractor’s credentials before agreeing to any work. The road to restitution may be long and fraught with challenges, but as the stories of victims like Shea and Phillips illustrate, perseverance can lead to justice.
For more insights on contractor licensing and consumer protection, check out resources from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and stay informed to safeguard your investments!
