Homeowners: NC builder took money, left unfinished homes

The spot where the heat pump was supposed to go was marked with a copper line and a PVC pipe dangling from a hole drilled through the brick foundation.
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[@QueenCityNews]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Multiple homeowners claim NC builder took bank draws, cash and left their homes unfinished. For more on this story, head here: www.qcnews.com/news/investigations/unfinished-business-multiple-homeowners-claim-nc-builder-took-bank-draws-cash-and-left-their-homes-unfinished/

[@markgulbranson-qe3ky]

There is a way to get what there owed but they need to talk to the Federal AG & Federal Court system and have the cotto's house , vehicles & everything seized and auctioned off to pay back the people who scammed . Also why didn't they go to prison for theft by swindle . I am starting to think that AG guy was paid off to look the other way . He might have got the money him self but maybe in campaign funds ? But there is something fishy about this whole house deals & the cotto's

[@erikhopkins9488]

dude is a complete CLOWN!

[@loriflynn78]

@@markgulbranson-qe3ky I agree.

[@mattyghost3409]

​@@markgulbranson-qe3kySounds like China lol

[@seahagkeylover]

That man deserves 20 years in prison and the bank had a person that was committing FRAUD ALSO

[@frankchris07]

He needs to go swimming

[@RonnyMorgan-z7y]

Us bank of my STATE. 😢😢😢😢

[@TOCC50]

His truck is bigger than his house

[@erikhopkins9488]

he should be JAILED!

[@LouMontana-wc7nr]

Typical Trump supporters🇷🇺🐖‼️

[@DonaldMark-ne7se]

I believe the retirement crisis will get even worse. Many struggle to save due to low wages, rising prices, and exorbitant rents. With homeownership becoming unattainable for middle-class Americans, they may not have a home to rely on for retirement either.

[@JacquelinePerrira]

Got it! Buying stocks during a recession when prices are down could be a good move. You might get them at a lower price and sell later when they go up. Just do your homework and be aware of the risks before diving in!

[@Jamessmith-12]

That's awesome! Investing in stocks with a reliable trading system can lead to great outcomes. It's fantastic that you've been working with a financial advisor for a year now. Starting with less than $200K and being just $19,000 away from making half a million in profit is impressive! Keep up the good work!

[@kevinmarten]

Mind if I ask you to recommend this particular coach you using their service?

[@Jamessmith-12]

Carol Vivian Constable is the licensed fiduciary I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment..

[@kevinmarten]

She appears to be well-educated and well-read. I ran a Google search for her name and came across her website; thank you for sharing.

[@matthurley921]

Why hasn’t the state seized his property and sssets and actually investigate this..

[@geedee38]

With that existing lien $705000 right? He designed this scam and name changes to get cash and keep gaining with no effects of that lien. 🤷‍♀️ idk it’s a sad situation for the consumers

[@MrBeard-ig5zc]

Da. His stuff is held in another entity. Probably his mom.

[@jwayneair]

Because Stein is too busy campaigning.

[@saranelson9146]

Unfortunately, it’s the fox watching the hen house with contractors. The laws are empty promises and it’s easy to take advantage of consumers unchecked.

[@Capt083]

One name Josh Stein. That's why. Don't vote for him.

[@CameronFussner]

The fact that there is already an excessive amount of demand awaiting its absorption, despite how everyone is frightened and calling the crash, is another reason why it is less likely to occur that way. 2008 saw no one, at least not the broad public, making this forecast, as I'll explain below. The ownership rate was noted to have peaked in 2004 in the other comment. Having previously peaked in the second quarter of 2020, we are currently at the median level. Between 2008 and 2012, it dropped by 3%, and by the second quarter of 2020, it had dropped from 68 to 65.

[@Franklin-gq4si]

Investing in both real estate and stocks can be prudent choices, particularly when backed by a robust trading strategy that can navigate you through prosperous periods.

[@BernardFrederick-tk7un]

Don't worry, you're not doing anything wrong. The key is gaining the knowledge to succeed in a challenging market. With the right skills and experience, anyone can thrive and earn a high salary, even in tough conditions. Keep learning and growing!

[@foreverlaura-fq4eu]

@@BernardFrederick-tk7un Recently, I've been considering the possibility of speaking with consultants. I need guidance because I'm an adult, but I'm not sure if their services would be all that helpful.

[@BernardFrederick-tk7un]

Her name is Annette Marie Holt can't divulge much. Most likely, the internet should have her basic info, you can research if you like.

[@CharlesArthur-fq5sx]

Thank you for sharing, I must say, Annette appears to be quite knowledgeable. After coming across her web page, I went through her resume and it was quite impressive. I reached out and scheduled a call.

[@Mr.Free2Play]

The bank is the leader of these frauds. This is coming from the top. This bank needs to be investigated & so does the contractor.

[@tirkentube]

Yep. And he knows it, that's why he threw shade back at the bank. Remember the loan officer who is involved on AT LEAST 8 of the UNFINISHED homes (and 10 or more including the now-finished homes), and admitted that she KNEW him personally? But, she "wasn't related to him or his business." She just happened to handle all of his and his wife's clients. Sure, okay. But, i wonder how those payments were made without the necessary inspections? Probably because he had an INSIDER AT THE BANK. Then we find out where the money went: To the judgement from puerto rico 2019, filed through NC state so he couldn't escape it.

[@denisecintas4954]

This is a corrupt state all around. There is no way I would even visit this radical corrupt red state. Hypocrites.😮😮😮

[@ralphjessee2688]

@@tirkentube Exactly.

[@joannporter3819]

Most definitely! This was an inside job with the bank and the builders.

[@Mikefngarage]

this is happening all over the east. many of the business owners are foreigners and collect a lot of money, Dont pay their trades and leave the country. One of the reasons we need better boarders and immigration policies.

[@MyHighHorse]

At least the AG’s office can admit they’re useless. I would replace them asap.

[@wannabemedontu]

How is it that easy to steal people's money and just be so chill about it but absolutely no agency going after this guy

[@Valueshooter]

Yeah, its sad, every single chain from bank to local government to police failed.

[@MonkeyMind69]

@@Valueshooter ...Didn't fail. People need to understand that these things are being done deliberately. The Crooks are running the show ...from the banks, to the government, to the police. People are just financial cattle to them, and will continue to be until people learn to see the system for what it is.

[@tirkentube]

at the very end of the video we find out that the North Carolina District Attorney is going after him criminally.

[@iluvit365]

This whole system we live under is rigged & I hope Captain Planet comes & saves us.

[@JonSmith531]

Buyer beware

[@izagdlife]

This administration is putting many families in difficult situations. A lot of people are financially struggling to live, put a roof over their head and put food on the table. Things are getting worse these days, if you don't find means of multiplying your money you might wake up a day to realise you didn't plan well for yourself and family…

[@rougeur]

I agree with you and I believe that the secret to financial stability is having the right investment ideas to enable you earn more money, I don’t know who agrees with me but either way I recommend either real estate and stocks..

[@charlotterayeee]

I’ve been diligently working, saving and contributing towards early retirement and financial freedom, but since covid outbreak, the economy so far has caused my portfolio to underperform, do I keep contributing to my 401k or look at alternative sectors to meet my goals?

[@izagdlife]

@@charlotterayeee Understanding your financial needs and making effective decisions is very essential. If I could advise you, you should seek the help of a financial advisor. For the record, working with one has been the best for my finances...

[@charlotterayeee]

@@izagdlife How can one find a verifiable financial planner? I would not mind looking up the professional that helped you. I will be retiring in two years and I might need some management on my much larger portfolio. Don't want to take any chances.

[@izagdlife]

@@charlotterayeee *Mr Gary Mason Brooks* is the licensed advisor I use. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with a correspondence to set up an appointment.

[@THopkins7]

They need to pull both the Cotto's licenses & prosecute them. They need to pay the homeowners back.

[@JonSmith531]

There's no money to pay back. That's long gone.

[@pastryshack551]

These people get to live in their beautiful homes a and the poor perso n has to take an incredible loss. I have given up on people because there are useless. If I can't have my house, he and his theifing wife would be in the same position

[@alexs1429]

@@JonSmith531easy take over their assets and sell them to pay back those customer he defrauded. He has a few expensive vehicles in that driveway

[@JonSmith531]

@@alexs1429 you could take it all and it only cover 20% of what's owed. It's gone.

[@JonSmith531]

@@alexs1429 lol. That money is long gone. They stole millions from people. Vacations, living expenses, probably used it for other ponzi schemes. It's gone.

[@crocpa]

Sue the attorney general in federal court. Get an injunction.

[@tommielee8]

Suing is not an option. He can be criminally charged, censured, recalled, impeached or voted out. The easiest and quickest maneuver is to exploit his/her shortcomings. In this case, his negligence. Horrible politician.

[@andreware7638]

Banks violated contracts by not confirming work was done woth customers. All thise customers deserve refunds.

[@arresthillary9502]

refund for what? they arent making payments on the unfinished construction. he defrauded the bank, not the consumer

[@stillkickin9957]

They were making pmts​@@arresthillary9502

[@howlinwulf]

But they are stuck with payments ,your not seeing whats going on here. Is that you dude?​@@arresthillary9502

[@jodirook71]

VOTE for people that advocate for you!

[@mteevie1609]

Sounds like the whole thing is an insider scam. From the bank to the contractors everyone was getting a piece on the scam. There a lot of employees and insiders that needs to go to jail.

[@bmunsky]

The only way this could work if Mr Cotto had someone at the bank working with him, including lender, inspector,

[@arresthillary9502]

@@bmunsky yup

[@marcusharris2401]

Exactly

[@slapskate]

The messed up thing is if he wanted to he had access to the $ to complete the homes. Everyone still makes $. But he's so greedy he just takes the money lent for the home construction & keeps it. This seems like such a dumb scam with so many paper trails to you! 🤔

[@CoreyChambersLA]

If the lender is connected to the fraudulent construction company, then the lender must also be sued in court.

[@Rebecca-ci3zc]

So Cotto brings up COVID. Did he apply for, and was he granted a PPP loan? I’d love to see this checked into.

[@JonSmith531]

He definitely did. Probably millions.

[@JonSmith531]

This is open record. You can search his company and find it.

[@ReginaDillard]

I think we all know the answer to that. smh

[@ollieandson]

I’m a retired Police Chief and want to give a shout out to this Investigator Reporter and to Queen City News. This investigation news story was thirty minutes long and that is a long news piece which tells me there was a lot of time that was devoted into putting this together. This is probably one of the best news investigative stories I have watched in a very long time. I’m fairly certain because of the attention and interest from this story and the amazing job that was done in exposing these corrupt contractors. The fact that the State Attorney has dropped the ball, the Sheriff’s department dropped the ball. It seems like there was some internal fraud going on at the credit union. We aren’t looking at just state charges here we could be looking at federal. Maybe the feds after seeing this story might be interested in looking into this as well. This is egg on the Governors face too. The incompetence of his AG and his state. Then the guy has the nerve to blame Covid and bring God into this. I don’t think he wants to ask God what he thinks about all this. I’m just saying. Not to pass judgment and all. Well in the end. Great work Queen News, to the poor people who are struggling with this ordeal. I’m sorry you’re going through this. My prayers are thoughts with you.

[@OmarIbnSayyid]

Agreed 100%. I'm also a licensed real estate broker with eXp Realty, the same company that Joy Catto is affiliated with. I guarantee that this situation will eventually cause her to lose her real estate license or at least get suspended. This whole thing is highly suspicious. Bringing God into this matter is truly disturbing. After watching the Attorney General's response, I've lost the last bit of trust I had in our government agencies, without exception.

[@gulfcoastsunset5879]

Definitely internal fraud going on 100 %. Just like there was a TON of internal fraud going on in the Alex Murdough case with the high ups at the banks.

[@andreavandekleut6379]

can,t the {people who are not now getting a home , let them foreclose and the city will have to sell the "home" for over 300K ( for dirt). and see how they like it ,

[@jeffreysronce1411]

I live across the street from this mess. I'm in construction. This guy contacted us about digging footings on these jobs when all the land was first cleared like four years ago. We knew as soon as we met him he was not the type of person we like to do work for. Could tell he was not very experienced in construction management. Just a talker. Trying to sell himself by telling us how many jobs he had coming up. Hope the best for the homeowners that have been afected by this conman. But the court systems are not much help in this situation unless you have lots of money for lawyers. Helped a homeowner with a problem similar to this took like three years of court and never really but a judgement against him. Makes all of us contractors that try to do best for our homeowners look bad. Could all be avoided by get references and looking at work they have finished, and talking to homeowners they have built for. Anyone with a problem providing that is red flag to stay away.

[@JSMCPN]

I had to overthrow our developer-abused water district (a local government) and notify the County that we're not selling any more water taps in order to put a stop to shoddy construction and unsustainable population growth. The developer is still harassing us, even after the County Attorney expelled them from the district board.

[@americaksushantkinazarse5747]

I want to help Lisa Labelle, if someone can provide me her information, I cannot find her online

[@MeBihhhh]

I also live across the street and totally agree. He contacted me and I said “nope step off”

[@buckeyeg4888]

Sue the AG

[@buckeyeg4888]

Sue the Sheriff as well

[@wango556]

Everyone knows exactly what they are doing. But they all don’t know anything now. The banks,the builders, the realtors, the developers, the loan officers, the dispersal agents, the INSPECTORS, the attorney general, are all guilty and knew exactly what they were doing. For the bank to have the nerve to say it’s the homeowners fault is crazy.

[@zachwak]

Jody Barr is so good. This is pure gold. Don't ever let local investigative journalism die out!

[@JodyBarrInvestigates]

Dang, Zach…thanks for saying that!

[@lauriesmith5008]

She is evil. She is,living the high life . Don’t tell me she didn’t know.

[@chocolatequeen5953]

The journalist are doing way more than the authorities, who are supposed to protect consumers! That guy Mario is too blatant and should have already been arrested, it seems like he found a loop hole and is just milking it , he and his wife are such good thieving liars !! 🙄

[@OCgraftedin77]

@@chocolatequeen5953. Yeah, they must be related to the Bidens!…🤬

[@lindacurtis3513]

Is Josh Stein still in any Government Office here in NC. ?​@chocolatequeen5953

[@ScottyLo]

All of the people should get together and file a class action lawsuit against him. Theirs strength in numbers.

[@esau5530]

Everyone involved in taking these people’s money should rot in jail.

[@nancyfahey7518]

Prison.

[@AskRemy]

they need concrete shoes

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

but they're not going to,,,,, that how deep the corruption goes

[@eleanoreagly4844]

Need to make the Cottos refund the $$ they were paid to do the job they contracted to do and show an accounting of the $$$. It makes no difference if Cotto paid any rents, etc. as that was not his responsibility. He had contracts to be responsible for building homes. The Mrs. Cotto was not entitled to any $ because she had to have know of the fraud her husband was doing. I am not having a stom house built because of fraudsters like Cotto. Purchased a new, ready to move into house to avoid delays and overcosts etc. Also, have a good inspector go over the work, and even then in one of 3 bathrooms the tub hot and cold water are reversed with hot being on the right and cold on the left and to fix I am told the wall behind which is one of the 3 shower walls would have to be torn out.

[@Jblaze024]

So the saying goes, you'll own nothing and like it.

[@benben6054]

He bought everything he needed and is living the good life he knows the systems

[@Technotranceism]

True, and it's now coming back to bite him in the butt.

[@TOCC50]

His truck isn’t big enough

[@rebecca9529]

He will reap what he sowed it's always coming back

[@Allaiya.]

What an absolutely worthless attorney general! Josh Stein needs to go. He isn’t doing his job. This isn’t just one house. It’s multiple houses and they can’t even be bothered to look to see that.

[@altheacbarnes2522]

Josh Stein is running for governor - and he is a demoncrat watch the people vote against themselves like they always do in blue areas...

[@firstname6208]

and he wants to be our governor, another worthless demokrat

[@thyslop1737]

And Stein is now the Democratic nominee for Governor.

[@Dolly-Days]

He looks as if he just wanna look all pretty and clean doing nothing but soaking up the spotlight. That's the vibes I got from the interaction with him and Jody Barr. Let me tell you something about Mr. Jody Barr he is one of the finest investigators out there. He does exceptional work and it shows! If we had more like him a lot could be brought to life for many to see! Thank you Jody Barr!!!

[@shekharmoona544]

These stories have been going on since before the pandemic.

[@TradeWynn65]

You need to vote out that Attorney General

[@Heavencloud]

he's running for governor. democrat

[@robinbeveridge7741]

But your alternate choice is clearly the better one so govote for Robinson ​@Heavencloud

[@cfoster6804]

​@@Heavencloud Oh Lord

[@jman2415]

Cotto is full of bs he needs to be charged

[@Technotranceism]

Her remark about receiving commission for an uncompleted home, speaks loudly of her. Should a car salesman get commission, for selling you an incomplete car?

[@jeffparkhurst8607]

Non-Whites are immune from criminal liability in Zogland.

[@lovinbluegrass]

Mark Robinson for Governor 2024. We don't need another person in office who doesn't work for the people who voted him into office. Every NC voter needs to see this video. Vote against Josh Stein.

[@dhunter1423]

AMEN--WHAT A JOKE💯‼️ deb in SC😯😯 Surely Ethics Violations have been Charged against Josh Stein: How does he Sleep at Night⁉️⁉️⁉️

[@attornurse1]

Mark Robinson is crazy . His theory on women , reproductive rights and the hatred he spews against Jews , minority’s etc is horrific . Josh Stein for Gov .

[@DRventura333]

Someone should investigate if any of these companies also filed for and received PPP COVID money.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

Of course they did. That was the intent of these programs, to keep the rich rich and the poor poor.

[@dcg590]

@@eustacemcgoodboy9702no. If you stay poor it’s your own fault. Dont blame others people for your failure.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

@@dcg590 Victim blaming. What a ridiculous assertion. This is why the global South is rising against you.

[@r0ckymarie]

They 1,000% did. Probably millions.

[@Thanos0001]

All these people got paid and the homeowners are left holding the bag. The banks, realtors, lawyers, general contractors, and even the AG are to blame for this. Truly despicable.

[@JasonDeBates]

Truly shameful behavior by Mario, Joy, the bank and the AG’s office. This guy is a scam artist ripping off people with no remorse. How is he able to get away with this without any repercussions? Mario and his wife should both be in jail!

[@ronaldjones8531]

He definitely paid off people to or had them share in the profits from the scam including the government agencies

[@ashlaunicaalpari4584]

People get away with scams like these all the time and the only people that suffer the repercussions after are those they scammed. These peoples lives are over…. Their credit destroyed, possible bankruptcy after foreclosure etc. Try retiring on no savings, ruined credit and no home. This is devastating life crushing theft.

[@cuzakuru]

This has happened all the time in Australia. As for the aerial shot looks like they did no concrete slab or plumbing before even doing the frame smdh 🤦🏽🤷🏽‍♂️

[@normbograham]

The bank blamed the homeowners. That's not how due diligence works. And the contractor has $150,000 in toys in his driveway, while he explained he's not to blame.

[@craigschepers714]

death by misadventure??

[@jeihka1]

This is horrible but homeowners do have some responsibilities. In PR a lot of mainlanders have come to buy "cheap homes" raising the real estate property cost without doing research, we warned them that buying a house that quick here is not normal and comes with a catch and they accused us of racist. Now the catch (FRAUD) is showing up. Illegal property titles, no construction zone infrastructure (NO INSURANCE and can't sue the government nor the bank or realtor). Houses sold with owners alive. Homes with massive debts in property tax and still legally on the original owner names because the owner or inherents are alive. Is a circus but hey they know better. The do this worldwide 🇺🇸 citizens are not the smartest

[@QEliteGlobal]

@@jeihka1I can second this. Lived in Cayey for 2 years, I came across so many Americans who got themselves in serious trouble, some spending their life savings on props that they legally cannot occupy.

[@LarryMcNeely-me4px]

Never trust a Realtor, and be careful when dealing with contractors. I am a retired contractor who will never use a realtor after experiencing their scams.

[@Whoddathunk]

Banks always blames the consumer for their mistakes.....

[@Carrjacked]

9:46 this couple broke my heart. I wish I could hug them.

[@Terrie-W]

Cotto committed theft. He needs to go to prison for a long time. Maybe the inmates can wipe that smile off his face.

[@yomamaplayzvideogamez693]

All people involved with Cotto needs to be locked up too, this is sick!

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

America is a nation of thieves. Everyone is stealing all the time. Well, there are victims and there are alpha king dogs on top. Choose.

[@seyoummichael1722]

This guy Jody Barr is the GOAT of investigative reporting. If i ever see him knocking on my door, I'm buying a one way ticket to Mexico. Keep up the good work!

[@GarC170]

It’s a coincidence that the woman responsible for authorizing all those draws happened to work at both banks… oh ok makes sense…..

[@JoycePerry-b6k]

This is horrific! Everyone that did nothing for this lady should be exposed and resign. The developer should be locked up and judgements against him! Just sickening.

[@jenjen7369]

Why couldn't all these homeowners put a LIEN on his property? Why isn't he in a jail for fraud and working without the proper license let alone liability insurance and bond

[@ucanflyit64]

he put all the property in his wife's name and she wasn't on the LLC. These crooks know what they're doing.

[@jenjen7369]

@ucanflyit64 why couldn't his wife then be liable. She was the realtor misrepresentation on her part so she is also at fault. And what are the laws in that state? WA, doesn't matter if the husband isn't on it, he would inherit it if she passed or common law assets

[@ucanflyit64]

@@jenjen7369 We're all exhausted on this. We've tried every avenue. For civil judgements we have to wait inline behind all the people he screwed over too. The only ones that seem to be making money are the lawyers. He has civil judgements against him and just doesn't pay. Many of us have filed criminal charges too so we're hoping eventually they'll be in jail. There's a special place in hell reserved for these 2.

[@jenjen7369]

@@ucanflyit64 Really do hope you get justice

[@ucanflyit64]

@@jenjen7369 Thank you. My wife and I have always tried to go through life leaving people better off than when we met them so this whole scam that ruins people's lives is just horrific for us.

[@darrellm.9622]

Never never never never never wire a contractor money never never never never never never never never never never never

[@armontecalvo]

If Walmart involves police for petty shoplifting, charges are brought. But people robbed of 10’s of thousand’s, no prosecution. Guess you have to be a corporation, donating to politicians to get justice.

[@Scriptorsilentum]

surprise.

[@waynemiller6156]

Why are people not taking him to court

[@jackjohnson9449]

I would bet that Cotto never paid Blackman. Mario and Joy Cotto are both crooks and should be in prison.

[@cmockingjay7265]

That guy should be in prison!!!

[@wellness285]

This report needs greater attention on major media!

[@anaychaker7344]

Agree !! ✅✅✅

[@Sjwolosz321]

Building homes is a massive part of this economy of course . Been building homes for 43 years , Even got my GC license but not savvy enough to play these reindeer games . It is a major problem .

[@driveyoutransportation4394]

To Warn people

[@JDX123]

Just wow! Can you imagine having a builder who hides behind a corporation to avoid building the home to paid for?

[@barryholiday8998]

Internet sleuths let’s get to work and let Mario Cotto and his family know what they have done is wrong.

[@eustacemcgoodboy9702]

Lol. They're laughing in their mansions and lambos as they drive to fly private to Bali for the summer.

[@matthall9733]

Where’s the accountability?! For all of the agencies!

[@ucanflyit64]

The bottom line is there is none. They very concerned with filling out their fkn forms correctly and then they do nothing and close the case.

[@xletzyy]

Lol right. But nowadays accountability doesn't exist for any business anymore. Fedex/Kroger In NC is litteraly known for paycheck theft and nobody talks about it. It's litteraly a huge talk.

[@exploreraa983]

How is it right that a borrower who knows little about the process be responsible for the oversight?

[@xletzyy]

exactly 😂😂 they pretty much said you gotta watch them MAKE THE WHOLE HOUSE essentially 😂😂 they love making laws they won't follow themselves 100%.

[@nicksmith2604]

Looks like Mario living good brand new truck and house off of stealing from good people

[@nicolelovesbiggie2269]

Yes typical short guy shrimp and an oversized truck.

[@AmJusSaiyan]

I'm surprised he's still walking around. I guess he knew who he was stealing from. Look at that guy crying on camera lol "Why did you hurt my wife" , guy has negative testosterone levels.

[@vicleft5987]

Will need an update on this for sure

[@639ONELOVE]

Soooo the bank didn’t verify the GC credentials? WTH? He didn’t have a license so that would have halted the loan immediately. Something isn’t adding up.. they need to start at the bank and move backwards..

[@normbograham]

follow the money.

[@saranelson9146]

Same happened to us. The municipalities don’t verify licenses before issuing permits as well.

[@dtyallen9864]

Guaranteed Rates did the same to me. Cut a check for 14,600 to an unlicensed contractor. He cashed the check and disappeared.

[@tripleeathletics]

These investigatory stories done by Jody are so addicting to watch and are always very well done. Jody, I think you would be great on something like 60 minutes or 20/20! Keep up the great work! 👍

[@ozymandias4988]

The way that the wife downplayed her role in all of this and laughed was absolutely wicked and very telling.

[@ucanflyit64]

She knew everything that was going on and participated in it. Liar, Liar! She calls herself a good Christian.

[@cocococop6082]

It happens. Sometimes you just don't know. See women who husbands were down lows or murders

[@cfoster6804]

​@cocococop6082 She saw those houses weren't getting done. Her husband wasn't even hiding it. Either she was in on it or she is severely stupid.

[@FTB_OUTDOORS]

I’m glad to see this video pull 300k+ views in 8 days! This is dead wrong and cowardly

[@Oletechiegirl]

How did the bank release money to this company without any inspections? $300,000 with nothing but a foundation? How is that possible? The bank does have some fault in this.

[@78vette11]

Exactly

[@TheJohnebey]

a cash account is not so questioning.

[@arresthillary9502]

because the bank doesnt start getting paid till their is an actual loan

[@kchal0]

@@arresthillary9502that’s not true. Usually construction loans are interest only balloon payment loans. Meaning during the process every payment is interest only, 100% profit for the bank. Then at the end of the process they ask for the full principle amount in full. If you can’t pay it then they refinance it into a 30 year mortgage.

[@bradmiller6507]

Uh, it wasn’t a bank, it was a credit union. They have no transparency or accountability.

[@jimmyking998]

Everybody in the neighborhood needs to file a class action lawsuit against the bank and the man that was supposed to build the house for all these people and file a class action lawsuit against the realtor

[@jimmyking998]

She needs to file a class action lawsuit against everybody

[@RichmondBaker]

Great Reporting Queen City News! Really good job. Go and get them Lisa Labelle! A lawyer should help her.

[@lmcc0072]

Cotto obviously lied when he said that he only got reimbursed by banks for work that he had already completed as he has taken a lot of draws, but work obviously hasn’t been completed. Since Cotto isn’t in jail, he either hasn’t done anything wrong or someone “important” is protecting him. Could multiple people working at the banks be complicit? It’s possible. Cotto is the frontman, but several people have probably been paid off along the way. Why is the North Carolina AG working so slow on this? He’s running for governor so inaction here doesn’t bode well for his campaign. The banks obviously paid Cotto for work that wasn’t completed. That’s on them even if they are putting the blame on the “homeowner”. In the end Cotto will get little to no prison time and that’s why frauds like this continue.

[@jman2415]

AG stein needs to be removed he serves the people

[@Nate-vf2js]

He can’t he’s republican he can do no wrong

[@yeetmama]

​@@Nate-vf2jsInstead of just saying factually inaccurate, stupid stuff, GOOGLE is a click away. Hes NOT a Republican, he's. Jewish Democrat. (long form for unscrupulous weasel criminal)

[@nancyfahey7518]

💙💙💙💙💙

[@amybooth1037]

Take Cotto’s super duty truck and that trike and pay your clients back! They both should be in jail!

[@p1ca550]

The attorney general just ruined his career, what an idiot

[@kat.5822]

The laws were written by Republicans who support wealthy builders. The attorney general is not to blame here. Builders have the right of way in NC! This is not political! Plus, Lincoln county is 72% republican. This issue is a local issue.

[@ridingtheroad185]

@@kat.5822 You talk politics then say this isn't political...? The AG is the law enforcer for the state. This is fraud and there is laws against it, he just needs to do the work.

[@traynham]

ItS rEpUbLiCInZ fAuLt😢🤡

[@toddj9548]

@@kat.5822 Oh right! It's all the republicans fault. What was I thinking?

[@whereisthedollar]

@@kat.5822 Bingo$$$$$.

[@taramedrano16]

Have a PROFESSIONAL AUDIT done for ALL WORK COMPLETED- and ALL PAYMENTS MADE against that work. NOTHING ELSE IS CONTRACTUALLY RELEVANT. The Authorities NEED TO STOP WHINING AND STEP UP AND DO THE JOB THEY HAVE ALREADY BEEN PAID TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@aijouefranklin6273]

Mario is walking around with his family shopping and his driveway has a nice big truck. So everyone knows where some of that money went. The man is a thief and a liar, and he doesn’t care because nothing has happened to him. The authorities should be ashamed of themselves for dismissing the case.

[@ucanflyit64]

Zero consumer protections! It's a joke!

[@Lucygil9]

hasnt found the right dude to double tap him yet . FAAFO .

[@WW3_Soon]

Italian fraudster

[@lovingme1st973]

Someone should help him meet his maker.

[@rissaheads6091]

If Trump can be president … no issues here

[@saranelson9146]

The system needs to change in NC. Contractors are overseen by contractors on the board. Municipalities don’t have any liability if they miss code violations no matter how big or small. Consumers are completely unprotected during the building process in NC. You can pay for permits and be left with a structurally unsound home. Building departments don’t even check if a builder has the proper license before approving permits. The only true recourse is to sue the builder which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars when your already out hundreds of thousands

[@snsr20]

What a great investigative story. Jody Barr - Sir, you are a hero. In today’s world not many reporters spend time and energy to go to the root of the story, and bring facts to us. Kudos to Queen City News and Mr. Barr for bringing such stories to us. Great work!

[@brisonrohrbach4619]

The bank dropped the ball on investigating the inspections and subsequent construction loan draws. Very possible that bank employees were conspiring with builder.

[@ElmoBug]

File complaint with state real estate board against the agent wife! Shes in on it too. Its sick!

[@PeterCombs]

Coto is a crook...and will be prosecuted.

[@Lemonarmpits]

That woman is just as guilty as he is

[@imafarmer6353]

When corruption,fraud ,criminality is at the highest levels, the trickle down effect of same minded would be criminals runs rampant…

[@Julia-e1e]

Mario and Joy should be in prison. Crazy to blame anyone but the criminals scamming people. Hard earned american dollars completely stolen. And attorney general needs to do something.

[@Praisethesunson]

Scammers scamming is how the contractor got a lifted ford super duty and suburban house. The modern American dream.

[@ucanflyit64]

The AG is a useless dirtbag who's also lying about clearing the backlog of rape kits not processed.

[@Paratrooper891]

Josh Stein is a clown and a politician. He says "bring a complaint... but unless there is more than one complaint, we aren't going to do anything." That's a candidate for Governor. 🤣

[@xletzyy]

Yeah anyone who votes for him his scum.

[@kennyw7453]

The truck in the driveway says it all.

[@genxx2724]

The truck is a raised middle finger.

[@josephelden4573]

​@@genxx2724That and the new Slingshot in the garage

[@ronmeade4607]

The fact someone hasn't fed this conman to the fish surprises me

[@MagiqDragon]

All these people scammed and only one person filed a complaint with the AG's office? She said she knows a lot of the other owners and has tried to rally the troops. I've seen people complain over $5 at the grocery store, what are these other owners waiting for? With all that said, it's the banks' fault and their lack of oversight. I work in the mortgage lending industry and I couldn't fathom this happening, much less blaming your own members.

[@ucanflyit64]

There are many, many complaints with the NC Building Dept, RE Commissions, AGs office, etc. None have done a thing to help any of us. Jody Barr is the only one who has listened and taken this seriously. He's a bulldog!!

[@georgeross6304]

@@ucanflyit64 I mean, state complaint will only help on small things.

[@33t875]

He’s a scam artist!!! Lock them up, throw away the key. The sad part is they’re not ashamed at all nor feel any responsibility.😮

[@mselle66]

Citizens Bank is responsible as well

[@ucanflyit64]

They were complicit and enjoyed making money off the interest, loan extension fees, etc. The loan officer was involved.

[@adoptdontbuy1]

The AG should be replaced

[@nomadmarine0331]

Sent him $158,000......are you nuts? If the contractor shows up in shorts and flip flops he is not a contractor. The GC lady is fully liable. She will never pull another permit.

[@DovZeev]

I'm astounded by how calm amd logical some of the victims are. If I were in their situation I would be freaking out.

[@SolorockinOne]

Right. I know people that will send you to meet God for a lot less.

[@arresthillary9502]

they just stopped making the payments on the loans. they dont care. the bank is taking the losses

[@seahagkeylover]

Exactly I would have some friends from the hood pay him a visit

[@BrandonLayMusic]

They prob have lived on an emotional rollercoaster

[@susanp6057]

The government needs to freeze his assets. Take his homes and cars and bank accounts that he made off of scamming people.

[@janp3331]

This was a well investigated piece. Thank you for shedding a light on this.

[@HoneySuckle123]

Jody is one of a kind. 👑

[@JodyBarrInvestigates]

Thank you!

[@JodyBarrInvestigates]

@@HoneySuckle123Thank ya, ma’am 👍🏻

[@KadoshiPaintingLLC]

150k deposit and nothing done! Thats so frustrating!

[@natej6671]

The bank or whatever lending agency needs to be sued too or held accountable. The bank claims that the borrower is responsible for monitoring work progress. If that's the case, the homeowner would also have to sign off on the draws as well.

[@helenmodiselle6795]

Totally agree how does the bank take contractors word that work is done & just pay the money without them at least finding out from their clients as they are not doing inspecting themselves. Bank needs to clarify who is their "client"

[@ReginaDillard]

Bingo!!

[@stephenayriss5049]

You are doing gods work and actual real reporting. Bless you and your network

[@ryanretirement6662]

The home contractor fraud scheme he should be arrested in jail.

[@BVN-TEXAS]

That AG is a slime bag too. That smirk he has tells you he just wants the report to shut up and leave him alone.

[@shekharmoona544]

Never complain about numbers of cases when a news agency literally did part of your job.

[@ucanflyit64]

Jody Barr did all the work and handed the information to all these agencies and they were too lazy to use it.

[@StillYHWHs]

They are cons/ thieves. Husband and wife team.

[@rocheclip]

This is why a builder being bonded is so important. People underestimate being bonded in such a large financial transaction. If i had the money to build my own home, i would demand a builder be bonded as part of the contract. If that builder doesnt finish, the bond insures I get my money back. Builders HATE hearing they must be bonded, but a bond is insurance against him taking my money and running. I am a property insurance adjuster here in NC and builders can get away with so many things and never get held responsible. The system is designed to allow them to dissolve their business after shady practices and pop up somewhere else under a different name.

[@thomashunter2022]

Why would you give someone all that money instead of paying him in stages.

[@RomeyBlack1111]

NEVER GIVE CASH UP FRONT EVER!

[@kavaragee6042]

Make them finish with their only 10 percent down payment. The 90 percent at completion of contract

[@RomeyBlack1111]

@@kavaragee6042 YES

[@lindacurtis3513]

Grifter

[@lindacurtis3513]

Wow ,learning more about my new home State of NC !!!!

[@adamhuffman3354]

Yea our Attorney General gets busy. But he will get to it.

[@bayboybob]

Somebody must go to jail for fraud and the attorney general needs to be replaced. He is not serving the people.

[@chrismiles2745]

This should be handled in the old ways.

[@genxx2724]

That’s what happens when law enforcement and the courts are ineffectual. Good old self-help. Frontier justice.

[@rissaheads6091]

@@genxx2724so an eye for an eye right….. so for slavery blk people should of ?😉

[@frankantonio4394]

Phenomenal reporting!

[@NerdsWorldNYC]

"He has $300,000 and I'm extremely concerned.' What.....no ..He HAS $300,000 of my MONEY and y'all are about to HAVE PROBLEMS!! Follow and record this man, stores,cars,etc!!!!

[@GOLDIELIVE24]

Something would have happen to him

[@rissaheads6091]

Now if it was Trump it would be ok … so why not this guy?

[@GOLDIELIVE24]

@@rissaheads6091 something would happen to him to idc who it is if it was my 300k best believe anybody could have got it trump biden they momma whoever im not even political why bring trump up lol

[@peteneris4594]

If you can’t enjoy you home he shouldn’t be able to live in his

[@neverstop2493]

When you have a constructive MAKE SURE IT IS IN THE CONTRACT no draws without homeowner signing off and ask demand invoices for all draws