Motivation

Prosecutors plan to charge Oklahoma contractor Jay Bowlin with one count of felony embezzlement in connection with money he owes a company that provided him materials to sell outbuildings, barndominiums, and garages, according to the county attorney working on the case.Dozens of people with interest in Bowlins next steps have contacted KMBC 9 Investigates, saying theyve paid tens of thousands of dollars to Bowlins companies but have no buildings to show for the money they put down.Those complaints are still under investigation by law enforcement for potential criminal prosecution.However, in Muskogee County, Oklahoma, Assistant Prosecutor Parker Wilkerson told KMBC the charging document would state that Bowlin was entrusted with property by Premier Portable Buildings, based in Tennessee.Bowlin stopped complying with the agreement with the company, instead taking proceeds from sales and putting them into his account, Wilkerson said.He also stated the charging documents will show Bowlin was supposed to pay back Premier Portable Buildings roughly $65,000. Instead, he appropriated it to himself, Wilkerson said.Nobody is above the law, he said. I feel hopeful here that we will be able to receive justice and have a just result for this matter.The charge carries a prison sentence of up to ten years, a $10,000 fine, and restitution to the company.An email to Premier Portable Buildings was not immediately returned on Thursday.The charge may be the first step in eventual prosecution across state lines for Bowlin, as customers in five statesMissouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Arkansashave contacted KMBC 9 Investigates with concerns about their missing money.Each customer has a similar story.A social media advertisement from Amazing Structures grabbed their attention. They worked with the company to finalize an online design and bid for a garage, barn, or barndominium-style home.Then, they wired Amazing Structures or Amazing Moves their money, usually a 50 percent deposit.Six to eight weeks later, when the job was supposed to begin, crews never showed up.Customers say they have lost tens of thousands of dollars.Smithville resident Cory Richard put down more than $18,000 with Bowlins company. He has nothing to show for it but wants to speak up about Bowlin to make sure this never happens to anyone else.I want something to be done about it, Richard said. I would love to have my money back, but at the end of the day, I don’t want him to be able to keep doing this online.KMBC has tried multiple ways to contact Bowlin, but phone calls and emails have gone unreturned. Emails and phone calls to his attorneys have also gone unanswered.A voicemail inbox for a company number is full.A judge has also granted a default judgment against Bowlin in a civil lawsuit from a company called Express Services, Inc. The company, in court paperwork, says it is missing more than $78,000 for personnel and employee-related services that Amazing Structures, Amazing Moves, and Bowlin have not paid.If you have a consumer complaint about Amazing Structures or Amazing Moves, youre encouraged to report it to your states attorney general.Here are links to fill out consumer complaints for: MissouriKansasOklahomaNebraskaArkansasIf youd like to share your story with KMBC 9 Investigates, email investigative reporter Matt Flener at investigates@kmbc.com.