Missouri – A promise to build a home addition turned into a costly ordeal for an elderly Missouri couple. Over six months, they handed over more than $42,000 to a contractor who repeatedly assured them the project would be completed. Instead, their money went toward his personal spending.
Now, the contractor responsible faces the possibility of spending the next decade in prison after a Jackson County jury found him guilty of multiple offenses involving financial exploitation and fraud.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office secured a conviction against Daniel Eschliman, whose conduct left the elderly victims facing substantial financial losses. The case highlights the serious consequences of contractor fraud, particularly when older residents are targeted.
The verdict came on September 29, when jurors convicted Eschliman of three offenses: Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person, Stealing by Deceit, and Deceptive Business Practices. Following the guilty verdict, the jury recommended a prison sentence of ten years.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Eschliman continued making promises about completing the couple’s home addition throughout the six-month period. However, rather than using the funds for the promised construction, he spent the money on himself.
The investigation began after the victims submitted a complaint to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section. Their decision to report what happened ultimately led to criminal proceedings and the jury’s conviction.
“Financial exploitation devastates families and trust in our communities. When people invest their savings into improving their homes, they deserve honesty, not deception,” said General Hanaway.
“Thanks to the victims who reported this fraud, we were able to secure this jury verdict, ensuring a criminal who targeted vulnerable Missourians is behind bars. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of contractor fraud, please report it to our consumer protection team.”
Assistant Attorneys General Joe Bliss and Jared Johnstone prosecuted the case following the investigation conducted by the Consumer Protection Section.
Although jurors recommended ten years of imprisonment, Eschliman’s final sentence has not yet been determined. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 8 in Jackson County.
The conviction is not the only legal matter involving Eschliman and allegations of contractor fraud. According to state officials, he has also been criminally charged in another contractor fraud case and has faced numerous civil lawsuits.
Those additional legal proceedings are separate from the September 29 conviction.
Hanaway’s office is using the outcome to encourage other residents who suspect they have been deceived by construction contractors to come forward rather than remain silent.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section handles complaints involving deceptive and fraudulent business practices. Its attorneys and investigators examine reported misconduct and pursue enforcement actions against those accused of violating consumer protection laws.
Residents who believe they have lost money through a home construction scam can contact the section directly at 800-392-8222. Complaints can also be submitted online through the Attorney General’s official website at ago.mo.gov.
For the elderly couple, the verdict marks a significant development in a case that began with plans to improve their home. The court’s next major decision will come in December, when Eschliman is scheduled to learn his sentence.
