Attorney General Charges Contractor in Alleged Jefferson County Fraud Case

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has announced that her office has filed criminal charges against Jacob Kaestner, alleging a large-scale contractor fraud scheme involving vulnerable homeowners in Jefferson County.

Kaestner, who operated under the business name JK Exteriors, is facing 23 counts of deceptive business practices. Prosecutors allege he defrauded 16 Missouri residents, many of whom were recovering from the March 2025 and May 2025 St. Louis tornado outbreaks 2025 St. Louis tornado outbreak.

According to investigators, Kaestner allegedly promised to complete roofing, gutter, and siding repairs in exchange for upfront payments. However, officials say many customers never received the work they paid for, while others only saw partial completion of projects. In at least one case, work was only completed after the victim filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.

Authorities also report that seven of the victims were elderly Missourians, and the total financial loss from the alleged scheme is $131,885.91.

“In the aftermath of tornadoes and natural disasters, families are at their most vulnerable, and scammers who prey on that pain are reprehensible,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “Contractor fraud is never tolerated in Missouri. My office will pursue those who take advantage of disaster recovery efforts, and we will stand with St. Louisans every step of the way.”