FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


August 30, 2007

Contractor faces possible 35 years in prison

State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the conviction, in Bay County Circuit Court, of Steven Jarrett Palmer, on charges of Grand Theft, more than $100,000.00 and Contracting Without a License during a State of Emergency.

The four males, two females jury deliberated only 15 minutes before finding Palmer, WM, DOB: 12-6-1973, 123 Sea Oats Way, Panama City Beach, guilty of defrauding the victim out of more than $600,000.00. During the day and one-half of testimony, Assistant State Attorney Mark Graham presented evidence that Palmer took a number of draws from the victim without performing the work that he claimed to have completed. Testimony also indicated that Palmer took money that he received for work on the victim's house and misapplied the funds to other projects. Palmer, originally from Alabama, was not licensed in the State of Florida.

Sentencing is set for September 11, 2007, at noon. Palmer faces up to 35 years in prison for the two offense. The State has three other pending cases against Palmer.