A counsel status hearing scheduled for today in Macon County Court for a Macon builder after he allegedly took more than $45,000 from a homeowner for construction work and failed to provide the promised materials.

The Macon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed a complaint charging James Preston Hartung with stealing by deceit. The complaint states that between January 4, 2024, and September 17, 2025, Hartung appropriated money from a resident, identified as S.D., with the intent to permanently deprive her of the funds.

According to a probable cause statement, S.D. hired Hartung to perform work on her home on North Rubey Street and paid him just over $45,000 for construction services and building materials, including windows and siding valued at $24,070. S.D. alleged that despite repeated attempts to reach Hartung, the work was never completed, and the materials were not delivered.

According to court records, S.D. told Hartung to deliver the purchased windows and sidings on August 11th of this year so another contractor could finish the job. Hartung reportedly agreed to deliver the windows and siding by August 13 but failed to do so.

Court records show Hartung was arrested on September 29th and posted a $25,000 cash bond on September 30th.