Local

Action 9 confronts contractor customers blame for missing money

ORLANDO, Fla. — Action 9 uncovered a contractor mess that could cost local families nearly $500,000. An Orange County man said he paid a big deposit for new windows he never got, and there could be dozens of victims.

In the back of Mike Menke's home there's a lot of metal framing and nothing else. That's what $11,000 of missing windows looks like, he said.

"I'm thinking I've been ripped off,” said Menke.

Three months ago at an Orange County home show Menke talked to salesmen from Wadevco about installing windows to enclose his patio. A day later, the company offered a contract.

“They told me it was a good deal and if I gave a deposit tonight I would get that price," he said.

Menke’s first deposit was $1,000. Then Wadevoc needed another $6,500 to buy windows and start installation. He said the crew spent just one day installing the framework and never came back.

“No return calls, no appointments being made, and no materials," he said.

Wadevco is rated F at the Better Business Bureau with 13 complaints, many unanswered.

Then there's the company's own Facebook page and several haunting messages in recent weeks. A customer called it the worst and others said there was no way to contact Wadevco.

Action 9 Todd Ulrich found its Altamonte Springs office abandoned so he tracked down company owner Glen Warmack at his house.

“I'm trying to get customers their money back,” said Ulrich.

“Well, so am I,” responded Warmack as he shut the door.

Later, Warmack blamed his vice president Stephen Bolin, who filed personal bankruptcy. He blames Bolin for $500,000 in missing customer deposits, and he wants the State Attorney's Office to investigate.

That’s not good news for customers who trusted his company.

“I'm ashamed of myself for getting that far in debt and getting nothing for it,” said Menke.

An attorney for Bolin said he was a business partner with Warmack, the company had problems, and he denied his client did anything wrong.

Anyone who lost money should contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulations.