Charges: Tracy painter bilked Butterfield woman out of $1,500 in services

(St. James, MN) – A Tracy man is facing felony charges after he allegedly neglected to complete painting services paid for by a Butterfield woman.

Michael Harry Monmaney, 33, was charged with theft by swindle in Watonwan County Court Wednesday.

According to the criminal complaint, Monmaney had made a December 2018 contract with the woman, who had paid him $1,497.50 to do some painting at her residence.  Monmaney promised to begin the job in spring 2019, according to the complaint.

In June 2019, Monmaney told the woman his bank account had been hacked and he needed more money, but the victim requested her payment be returned.  Monmaney told the woman and a Watonwan County deputy he would make the reimbursement by July 15, 2019, according to the complaint.

On December 20, 2019 the victim told the deputy she had not received her money back and the work had not been completed.

Court documents say the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry had issued a Licensing Order to Monmaney on November 9, 2018.  The order stipulates that Monmaney “cease and desist from performing public or private sector commercial or residential building construction or improvement services” until full compliance with the order was achieved.  No compliance was achieved to date, according to the complaint.

Monmaney was also charged with gross misdemeanor violation of order.  He’s been summoned to appear in Watonwan County Court on February 11.