SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A contractor accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from customers and then disappearing is now behind bars.

Rodney Wayne Blankenship, 57, was arrested Thursday morning at his business on Highway 190 in Livingston. He was booked into the San Jacinto County Jail on a charge of aggregate theft. His bond is set at $200,000.

Prosecutors say Blankenship collected nearly $175,000 from clients in the Lake Livingston area without completing the promised work. According to a criminal complaint, there are at least 12 victims dating back to 2023, though investigators believe the number could be higher.

"This is no different than someone going in and stealing someone's guns, generator, or burglarizing their house," said San Jacinto County First Assista

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