Scott Allen Demeuse, a local contractor, pleaded no contest in the Delta County 47th Circuit Court Monday. (Sophie Vogelmann)

ESCANABA – A local contractor who failed to finish or refund a roofing job has pleaded no contest to one count of larceny by conversion – $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a felony, in the Delta County 47th Circuit Court.

Scott Allen Demeuse of Escanaba appeared in court Monday with his attorney, James Maki, along with Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Beth Wickwire. Judge John Economopoulos presided over the hearing.

Both the defense and prosecution have agreed to a sentence of time served, or no further jail time, if restitution is paid in full to the victims at the time of his sentencing, which is scheduled for Jan. 9.

In May 2024, Demeuse was paid $10,000 to install a new roof on a Rapid River home but never showed up to complete the work, according to Wickwire. After several attempts to connect with him, the homeowners advised Demeuse they wanted the money back or would take him to court. When the money was not returned, law enforcement became involved almost a year later, on or about April 18.

At that time, Demeuse stated he would return the money and, according to Wickwire, admitted the homeowners should receive their money back. But he provided no refund or work, Wickwire stated.

Demeuse was originally charged with one count of contractor – fraudulent use of building contract fund along with the larceny charge, which prosecution agreed to drop in exchange for his plea.