Staff Report

Larry G. Hilty

WARSAW — The CEO and owner of a Columbia City construction business has been arrested in Kosciusko County for theft after failing to complete a construction project.

Larry G. Hilty, 34, 116 W. Van Buren St. Apartment 201, Columbia City, is charged with theft where the value of the property is over $50,000, a level 5 felony; and theft where the value of the property is between $750 and $50,000, a level 6 felony.

Hilty is the CEO and owner of Hilty Buildings LLC.

On June 25, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy spoke with a woman about a theft incident at a Warsaw residence. The woman said on March 22, 2023, she and her husband paid Hilty to construct a barn for them. As of June 25, the work has not been completed.

According to court documents, construction on the barn started on May 30, 2023. The total amount for the project was $305,796.

The couple paid Hilty a nonrefundable deposit of $214,057 on March 22, 2023. The balance was paid off in three installments, with the total amount paid being $300,796 after a $5,000 discount.

As of May 14, Hilty Buildings LLC has failed to complete the project. The couple said Hilty was no longer communicating with them and construction had stopped. The deputy spoke with Hilty on June 26. Hilty told the deputy his business was a victim of cyber theft and he had to use the money the couple paid him for other business expenses.

Hilty said the couple paid for the job in full and should be liable for the financial loss. The couple obtained a quote from another builder in regards to completing the work Hilty was paid to do. The quote was in the amount of $105,410.

On Dec. 26, 2023, the woman paid Hilty $4,160 in additional funds to complete some electrical work. As of July 12, work has not been completed.

Hilty was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on Aug. 19.

Hilty was also recently charged in Whitley County for a theft and corrupt business influence case.