A contractor previously investigated by ABC7's I-Team has been formally charged with criminal offenses.
Multiple consumers reported paying significant sums for construction projects that were either left incomplete or poorly executed.
Legal Action Initiated
According to documents filed in Will County in December, Aaron McMann, who operates Chi-Line Construction, now confronts two class-2 felony charges. These include allegations of theft by deception and aggravated home repair fraud, stemming from a complaint by consumer Kenneth Nading.
"I am glad he's being charged," Nading stated. "Stealing money from an elderly disabled veteran is like taking candy from a baby and walking off with it and just laughing... I do believe he stole from me, a lot of money, $15,000."
The legal filing indicates Nading provided over $15,000 as a down payment for work that McMann allegedly failed to complete as agreed.
Multiple Consumer Reports
Nading recorded video of McMann and terminated his services after waiting two months for a basement entryway project to be finished. He was among eight individuals who contacted the I-Team in February 2024 with similar concerns.
These consumers reported hiring McMann and Chi-Line Construction, paying amounts ranging from $2,000 to over $100,000, only to receive unsatisfactory or unfinished results. Some managed to recover funds through credit card disputes.
The I-Team's investigation further revealed 15 complaints lodged with the Illinois Attorney General's office against the construction company, with seven originating from individuals featured in their reporting.
Nading explained he ultimately had to engage another contractor to complete the necessary work. "I'm 70 years old and I needed a new entrance to my basement so I can get in and out of it, because I had a knee replacement," he said.
Legal Proceedings Underway
The Will County State's Attorney's office has scheduled a preliminary hearing for next week. McMann has not yet entered a plea to the charges. Attempts by ABC7 to contact the contractor for comment have not received a response.
In earlier coverage, McMann declined to provide any statement to the I-Team regarding the allegations.
