Naples contractor sentenced to prison for swindling homeowners in $1.3M remodel

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A Naples contractor has been sentenced to prison in Lee County after prosecutors said he took more than $1.3 million for a Bonita Springs home remodel, failed to pay subcontractors and used much of the money on other projects and personal expenses.

According to the State Attorney's Office, Scott Louis Kish, 46, was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in prison followed by five years of probation for theft, and 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation for misapplication of construction funds. The sentences will run concurrently.

Gulf Coast News previously reported that Kish was convicted in March after a three-day jury trial, where prosecutors said Kish was doing business as KTS Homes LLC in Lee County when a homeowner hired him to remodel a newly purchased home in Bonita Springs.

Between November 2018 and April 2020, the homeowner paid Kish $1,346,000 through checks and bank draws for the full completion of the project, according to the State Attorney's Office.

Investigators said Kish did not pay numerous subcontractors even though he had been given money to do so. That led to multiple liens being placed on the property.

Prosecutors said subcontractors then walked off the job, leaving major work unfinished and causing extensive damage. Authorities said no windows were installed at the home, resulting in extensive water damage.

The evidence at trial showed the money was billed as actual expenses plus a profit, prosecutors said. More than half of the money was spent on other projects and Kish's personal life, according to the State Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors also said Kish misled the homeowner into believing he was a licensed architect as part of the original contract.

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