Crime Blotter

Roofing Contractor Accused of Targeting Tornado Victims

Missouri's attorney general charged a contractor accused of defrauding 16 consumers, including tornado victims and elderly residents, out of more than $131,000

By Tanja Kern, Senior Strategic Content Editor

St. Louis Skyline and Arch — Dwayne Pounds

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced charges against a contractor accused of defrauding 16 consumers, including several victims of the 2025 St. Louis-area tornadoes.

Jacob Kaestner, owner of JK Exteriors, faces 23 counts of deceptive business practices in Jefferson County. Prosecutors allege Kaestner collected upfront payments for roofing, gutter and siding work that was never completed, and in some cases never started.

According to the attorney general's office, seven of the victims were elderly residents. The alleged fraud resulted in total losses of $131,885.91.

A majority of the victims were affected by tornadoes that struck the St. Louis region in March and May 2025.

“In the aftermath of tornadoes and natural disasters, families are at their most vulnerable, and scammers who prey on that pain are reprehensible,” Hanaway said in a statement. “Contractor fraud is never tolerated in Missouri.”

The attorney general's office said Kaestner completed work for one customer only after learning that a complaint had been filed with state authorities.

The case was investigated by the attorney general's Consumer Protection Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Kait Rhodes. JK Exteriors is also under investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

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Tanja Kern covers economic trends and the intersection of architecture, design, and construction for Roofing Contractor, with an emphasis on the forces reshaping the industry. She develops and amplifies content that connects roofing professionals with the intelligence they need to compete and grow.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tanja has written for national business, consumer and trade publications. She holds a Master of Science in magazine publishing from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.