Modular home firm owner accused
Agency couple says they paid $120,000, but work not completed
Agency couple says they paid $120,000, but work not completed
The owner of a modular home company faces stealing charges after an Agency, Mo., couple alleged they paid $120,000 for work that was never completed.
The fugitive apprehension unit of the Aurora, Colo., Police Department arrested Michael Paul Macey, 61, on a Buchanan County felony warrant Tuesday in Aurora, said Detective Bob Friel, a spokesman for the Aurora Police.
Mr, Macey, the owner of Designed West at 3207 Frederick Ave., awaits an extradition hearing and return to St. Joseph. He has been transferred to the custody of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department and is being held in jail without bond, Mr. Friel said.
The case started in January 2006, when Robert and Linda Vey started looking at modular homes.
It was determined that it would take Designed West three to four months to complete the project using Champion Homes in York, Neb., Mrs. Vey said.
The couple delivered a bank check to Mr. Macey for $123,029 to cover all the cost, said Jim Connors, the St. Joseph Police Department’s patrol division commander.
As time progressed, nothing happened.
“This is a local guy and we thought we could trust him,” Mrs. Vey said.
The home was to be ready for occupancy by Thanksgiving 2007, she said. Finally, in December, he sent $20,000 to Champion in order to get the house started, Mrs. Vey said.
In January, the couple went to York and walked through both halves of the actual home.
“It was exactly like I wanted it,” Mrs. Vey said.
Eventually, Mr. Macey sent an e-mail saying he’d spent the money and would repay if they’d be patient, she said.
There were more delays, so the couple called the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department. The couple filed a complaint July 10 with the St. Joseph Police Department’s financial crimes unit alleging that the company delivering the modular home never received final payment from Mr. Macey, Mr. Connors said. Following an investigation, the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s office filed a complaint alleging Mr. Macey committed the crime of stealing, a Class C felony.
A warrant was issued and bond was set at $150,000 for when he’s returned to St. Joseph, Mr. Connors said.
Calls to Designed West were not returned.
Marshall White can be reached
at marshall@npgco.com.
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