A News 5 investigation launched by Chief Investigative Reporter Eric Ross led to 14 felony theft charges against Joe Pacheco, the owner of JP Home Improvement.
Just moments before the judge was set to schedule Pacheco’s case for trial, prosecutors announced a 15th victim has come forward.
Jason Edwards is the latest victim to come forward, alleging Pacheco took money for home renovation work he didn’t complete.
“I thought it was worth a shot doing a house with him so we started a project,” Edwards explained.
Between June and August of 2017, Edwards, who runs a house flipping business, paid Pacheco more than $57,000.
“I ‘Googled’ Pueblo contractors and at the top of the list via HomeAdvisor was Joe Pacheco with JP Home Improvement,” Edwards said.
Multiple homeowners say they used the web site HomeAdvisor to find what they thought would be a reputable contractor to renovate their homes.
News 5 Investigates confronted HomeAdvisor more than a year ago after learning Pacheco doesn’t even possess a valid contractors license.
Although the company admitted no fault, Pacheco’s profile was removed from the site.
Today, his victims are still waiting for their money back.
“4-6 weeks in I’m asking where are my cabinets,” Edwards said. “Where are my counter tops? Where are my appliances? 6-8 weeks in I’m asking for the receipts and delivery dates.”
Pacheco left Edwards high and dry—the same way he left Joyce Leri.
“He was a very smooth talker,” Leri told News 5 in her initial interview. “He was a very smooth talker until he got our money.”
Leri hired Pacheco to build a new enclosed patio which he never finished.
You can hear from Pacheco’s multiple victims in our original report.
A few minutes before the lunch hour Monday, the judge issued a continuance, giving Pacheco another month to decide whether to re-enter a “not guilty” plea and head to trial, or possible accept a plea deal.
Pacheco left the courtroom without saying anything as his attorney shielded his face with a file folder.
He’s due back in court Feb. 25.
Any additional victims who gave Pacheco money should contact the Pueblo County District Attorney’s Office.
If you have a problem or issue you’d like News 5 Investigates to look into, please call our tip line at 719-228-6275.
