Elmhurst Man Accused Of Home Repair Fraud

ELMHURST, IL — An Elmhurst man is accused of a number of home repair fraud schemes around the Chicago area. Authorities say they're certain more victims exist.

Edmund Kavanaugh, 51, was charged with home repair fraud, continuing financial crimes enterprise, money laundering and theft by deception, according to a Will County Sheriff's Office news release.

In June, Patch documented how Kavanaugh collected $10,000 for home repair work at a Hinsdale couple's house, but completed little of the project.

According to Will County, Kavanaugh has been the subject of complaints throughout the suburbs. On Tuesday, a search warrant was executed on his house in Elmhurst.

According to the news release, Kavanaugh made incriminating statements during his interview with detectives at the Will County Sheriff's Office. The office is encouraging victims to come forward and report Kavanaugh's alleged crimes to their local jurisdictions.

Kavanaugh is in the Will County Jail on a $1 million bond, the release said.

In June, Patch found many examples of a Facebook user operating under the name "Jessica Munoz" answering inquiries on Facebook for home repair services. The user recommended a number of businesses with the same phone number, which is Kavanaugh's. The business names included Edward Paint Pros, Deck Pros, Tile Guys, Kitchen Guy and Arana Construction.

In interviews with Patch in May and June, Kavanaugh said the Hinsdale couple's account was full of lies, at one point calling the woman a slur typically used against females. He said the man emailed him that he was not allowed on their property. Kavanaugh promised to send that document to Patch, but did not.