Action 9

‘This is just not right’: Homeowners claim contractor on probation is at it again

ORLANDO, Fla. — Action 9 investigates a fence contractor who has triggered serious customer complaints for years. Homeowners claim that even though he is currently serving probation, he remains a big risk.

“Where is the rest of your fence?” Todd Ulrich asked.

“I have no clue, no idea where it is,” Ginna Gregory replied.

Gregory has a backyard lined with new fence posts but no vinyl fencing. She claims the contractor, Ken Huffstutler, walked off the job after she paid a $2,700 deposit to his company, Dynamic Backyard Solutions.

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“At this point I want a full refund because this is just not right,” Gregory said.

Her fence contract links to a website using the name Fence Pros of Florida.

Action 9 first investigated Huffstutler when his company was called Hurricane Fencing.

The company names have kept changing, but the complaints against Huffstutler have not. Customers claim he does some work and then disappears with most of their deposit.

Before arriving in Florida, Huffstutler pleaded guilty to grand theft and theft by deception involving fence contracts in North Dakota.

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At least six customers in Florida told Action 9 they also lost thousands of dollars to Huffstutler.

Action 9′s Todd Ulrich first caught up with Huffstutler in 2018. Ulrich asked him about consumer complaints as he returned to his vehicle and drove away.

Two months ago, Huffstutler pleaded no contest to felony fraud charges after a customer complaint triggered a criminal investigation, and he was sentenced to 18 months of probation.

Ulrich contacted Huffstutler’s companies using three different numbers. So far, there has been no response.

Gregory is sending complaints to the Better Business Bureau and the Florida attorney general.

“I want my money back,” Gregory said.

Do your research before signing any contractor’s contract, and use credit cards for any deposits so you have a greater chance of getting your money back.

Todd Ulrich

Todd Ulrich, WFTV.com

I am WFTV's Action 9 Reporter.