Unlicensed Contractor Accused Of Scamming $2.9 Million From Older Couple In Half Moon Bay Pleads Not Guilty

HALF MOON BAY, CA — A San Lorenzo man, facing multiple felony charges after defrauding an older Half Moon Bay couple with cognitive issues out of nearly $3 million, pleaded not guilty Thursday according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s office.

John Wilson, 52, an unlicensed contractor, faces charges including theft by false pretenses, said San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe.

Prosecutors said Wilson knocked on the door of the rural Half Moon Bay home of the couple, aged 92 and 82, in 2024 and offered construction services. Due to the couple's cognitive impairments, they reportedly agreed to months of extensive and unnecessary repairs, which included work on their kitchen, bathroom, basement, and the installation of solar panels, prosecutors said.

The scheme was uncovered in March 2025 when the couple's neighbor was assisting them with their taxes, prosecutors said. The neighbor discovered a total of $2.9 million in payments made to Wilson, spread across 57 checks. According to District Attorney Wagstaffe, this amount exceeded the value of the couple's home.

The California State Contractors Board later assessed the value of the work Wilson allegedly performed at just $217,350, a small fraction of the amount paid, prosecutors said.

Wilson is in custody and is scheduled to return to court on June 15 for further proceedings.