A Florida city councilman is facing a third-degree felony grand theft charge after allegedly accepting a homeowner’s money for a construction project that was never completed, authorities said.
Rodney Braden currently serves on the Destin City Council in Florida.
The criminal case involves Braden’s business, Rodney’s Home Repair, according to an arrest warrant obtained by local media.
The company had agreed to demolish and rebuild a rear deck and dune walkover for a homeowner, the warrant states.
Between February and April 2024, the councilman allegedly accepted a check worth between $10,000 and $20,000 for the project, authorities said.
Braden allegedly accepted the funds despite lacking several licenses required to perform the construction work, according to the arrest warrant.
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Permits had also not been pulled for the rebuilding project, the warrant states.
A complaint filed by the homeowner’s attorney alleges Braden partially demolished the deck and then abandoned the project, records show.
The contractor allegedly stopped responding to subsequent calls, text messages and emails, the attorney’s complaint states. He also failed to return the homeowner’s deposit, the document alleges.
The City of Destin will allow the legal process to proceed and is not commenting during the active case, municipal officials said.
Authorities served Braden with the arrest warrant on September 11, records show. The councilman has since been released from custody, according to officials.
Braden has been charged in the case and has not been convicted, records note.
His next court hearing is scheduled for October 15, according to court records.
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