Full Breakdown
North Texas Contractor Sentenced to 30 Years for $300,000 Theft
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Jeremy Jerod Zeno, a contractor operating in North Texas, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing more than $300,000 from customers. The plea covered multiple fraud schemes in which Zeno collected checks from clients, withdrew the cash, and then vanished. Prosecutors noted that none of the stolen funds have been recovered.
Background of the Scheme
The Tarrant County investigation began after a complaint was filed with the Benbrook Police Department in 2024 by Terry Stevenson, who reported paying $40,000 for a barn/condominium renovation that never progressed. Zeno employed a pattern of excuses, multiple aliases, and “ghosting” tactics—stopping communication once payments were received. He continued operating the scheme while on deferred adjudication in Hood County for a similar crime and while out on bond awaiting trial in Tarrant County.
Victims and Financial Impact
Four victims have been identified publicly:
- Terry Stevenson, who lost $40,000 after the project stalled.
- Lee Robinson of Arlington, who reported a $35,000 loss on an Alvarado construction project.
- Selvin Rosa of the Universal Foundation, who funded a foundation pour in Hood County and received no payment.
- An unnamed client from the Royse City/Rockwall area who paid $180,000 over the phone and received nothing in return.
Collectively, the victims allege losses exceeding $300,000, and all have expressed that the money remains unrecovered.
Official Statements & Responses
Tarrant County prosecutors confirmed the sentence and emphasized that Zeno’s pattern of deception harmed homeowners’ investments and safety. They also highlighted that Zeno’s continued operation while on bond demonstrated a disregard for the legal process. Law-enforcement officials indicated that the case serves as a warning to other contractors who might exploit similar “trusted” positions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He kept saying the materials are coming. The materials are coming. The materials never came,” — Terry Stevenson
- “You can’t do this to your clients. You are destroying homes, their investments, and their life,” — Selvin Rosa