Dothan, Ala. – A Dothan man and Marianna businessman is facing grand theft charges after allegedly misappropriating more than $350,000 from a victim’s construction payments. The arrest was made on Monday, February 26, 2024, following an extensive investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Scott Alexander Sanders, 52, of Dothan, Alabama, was taken into custody after authorities discovered that he had stolen a significant portion of funds entrusted to him for the construction of a new home. Sanders, the owner of Tatum and Associates Inc., a custom home building and remodeling business based in Marianna, reportedly took more than 75 percent of the payments made for the construction project.
The investigation into Sanders’ actions began in March 2024 after the FDLE received a tip regarding the misappropriation of funds. According to officials, Sanders had been hired by a retiree to build her a new home. The victim had made several payments for the construction, but Sanders allegedly used the funds for personal purposes rather than completing the project. Despite receiving substantial payments, Sanders ceased communication with the victim in December 2023 and left the construction unfinished.
The total amount allegedly stolen by Sanders was calculated at $351,366.42. Authorities confirmed that the victim was left with an incomplete home and no recourse for the substantial losses she had incurred.
Sanders was arrested and is currently being held at the Bay County Jail. The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney for the 14th Judicial Circuit. Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation include the FDLE Panama City Field Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to look into other potential victims or instances of misconduct. As the case progresses, Sanders faces serious legal consequences for his alleged actions.
