Missouri AG: Matlock Construction Restitution Secured for Victims

• Gene M. Matlock, owner of Matlock Construction, pled guilty to felony deceptive business practices and stealing on August 17, 2026.
• Matlock defrauded Missouri consumers by taking large upfront payments and then failing to complete work or deliver materials.
• He was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison and an additional five years of supervised probation.
• The court ordered Matlock to pay $191,975 in restitution, covering all victims identified by the Attorney General’s Office.
• Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway emphasized the office's commitment to rooting out contractor fraud and protecting consumers.

The substantial restitution order of $191,975 is a critical component of this legal victory, ensuring that all identified victims receive financial redress.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway recently announced a significant resolution in a contractor fraud case, securing substantial restitution for victims. Gene M. Matlock, who operated Matlock Construction, admitted guilt to defrauding numerous Missouri consumers through his residential contracting business. On August 17, 2026, Matlock entered a guilty plea to one felony count of deceptive business practices and an additional felony count of stealing, acknowledging his role in schemes that left customers financially devastated.

The investigation revealed a pattern where Matlock would solicit considerable upfront payments for home-construction and various contracting services. Following the receipt of these funds, he would either perform only minimal work before abandoning the projects entirely, or in other instances, fail to initiate any work whatsoever or deliver necessary materials. This left his clients without the services they had paid for and facing significant financial losses, often without recourse until the Attorney General's intervention.

As a direct consequence of his guilty plea, Matlock received a four-year prison sentence for the deceptive business practices conviction and a five-year prison sentence for the stealing conviction. The court further mandated that he pay $191,975 in restitution to those he harmed. This comprehensive restitution amount is intended to cover every victim identified by the Attorney General’s Office, extending beyond just those specifically named in the criminal proceedings. Additionally, Matlock was placed on a five-year term of supervised probation, underscoring the severity of his offenses.

This outcome highlights the robust enforcement efforts by the Missouri Attorney General's office against contractor fraud. The conviction of Gene Matlock for felony deceptive business practices and felony stealing sends a clear message regarding the state's commitment to protecting its residents from unscrupulous contractors. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has consistently emphasized the importance of safeguarding consumers who invest their trust and savings into home improvement projects. She articulated that families should not have to contend with deceit when engaging contractors, and that every Missourian is entitled to honest work for their hard-earned money.

The legal action taken against Matlock Construction exemplifies the dedication of the Missouri consumer protection AG to actively pursue and "root out" contractor fraud. The dual felony convictions, coupled with the significant prison terms—four years for deceptive business practices and five years for stealing—reflect the serious view the justice system takes on such financial exploitation. The subsequent five-year period of supervised probation further ensures accountability post-incarceration, aiming to prevent future misconduct. This case serves as a precedent for how the state intends to address instances of Gene Matlock contractor fraud and similar schemes.

The substantial restitution order of $191,975 is a critical component of this legal victory, ensuring that all identified victims receive financial redress. This broad scope of restitution, encompassing every individual affected by Matlock's actions, regardless of their direct involvement in the criminal case, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to victim recovery. The Attorney General’s office, under Catherine Hanaway, remains steadfast in its mission to protect consumers and secure restitution for those who have been harmed by deceptive business practices, particularly in Maries County and across the state.

Missourians who suspect they have been victims of contractor fraud or encountered deceptive business practices are strongly encouraged to report their experiences. The Attorney General’s Office provides a dedicated Consumer Protection hotline at 800-392-8222 and an online complaint submission portal at ago.mo.gov. The Consumer Protection Section within the Attorney General’s Office is recognized for its commitment to safeguarding Missourians, boasting a team of highly skilled consumer-protection attorneys and investigators. This ongoing dedication to public service and excellence is a cornerstone of the office's mission, with opportunities available for individuals interested in joining these efforts, as detailed on their job opportunities page at https://ago.mo.gov/about-us/job-opportunities/.

Lawyers representing consumers in Missouri should note the Attorney General's successful prosecution and securing of significant restitution in contractor fraud cases, indicating a strong enforcement stance and a viable avenue for clients seeking recovery. Compliance officers for contracting businesses in Missouri should review their practices to ensure strict adherence to ethical standards and avoid deceptive practices, given the AG's commitment to rooting out such fraud.

Source: Original reporting via Attorney General Hanaway's office.