Guilty Plea In Federal Home Repair Fraud Case: US Attorney

PROVIDENCE, RI — Prosecutors secured a guilty plea in a federal home repair fraud case, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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John O’Brien, 28, an "Irish national who was living unlawfully in the United States," pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a media release.

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"According to court documents, O’Brien and his co-conspirators induced homeowners to pay for home repairs that were unnecessary and often not completed," the release said

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" O’Brien falsely claimed structural problems, overstated repair needs, and misrepresented the need for the repairs and services, as well as the qualifications of his purported construction companies, including Traditional Masonry & Construction," according to the release. "Investigators estimate that the scheme defrauded homeowners of more than $1.5 million."

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O’Brien's sentencing was scheduled for March 11, 2026

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