Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

Detectives Arrest Milford Man for Home Construction Fraud

Date Posted: Friday, January 19th, 2024

Delaware State Police have arrested 36-year-old Steven Rowan of Milford, Delaware for new home construction fraud.

On July 28, 2023, a Virginia couple contacted State Police to report a home improvement fraud. During the investigation, detectives learned that Steven Rowan, owner of Sussex Building LLC, had signed a contract with the victims in January 2022 to build a new home in the Milton area. The 71-year-old and 79-year-old victims had paid Rowan a large sum of money in advance for the new home construction. Since that time, the construction has not been started, the contract was not fulfilled, and the victims’ money was never reimbursed. Detectives obtained warrants for Rowan’s arrest.

On January 18, 2024, Rowan turned himself in to Troop 4, where he was charged with the following crimes:

Theft Over $100,000 and Victim is 62 Years of Age or Older (Felony)
New Home Construction Fraud by False Pretense Over $100,000 (Felony)
Engaging in a Contract Business Without Obtaining/Maintaining a License

Rowan was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $120,100 unsecured bond.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have been defrauded in a similar manner to please contact Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit by calling 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.