June 28, 2019

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Five victims are defrauded more than $450,000 in a barn kit scheme after the business owner skips town.

In Fall 2018, an investigator with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a victim who filed a fraud report on Beam Barns business owner Christopher Willman, 49.

Willman advertised the business as one offering custom barn kits for sale. The business and residential address for Willman was in Santa Rosa Beach.

The victim reported in February 2016 she paid a deposit of $5,000 for a barn kit. In July 2018, the victim paid an additional $20,758 for the kit. In September 2018, the victim made her final payment to the business in the amount of $15,155. Willman told the victim the barn kit would be delivered by September 2018.

The victim never received the barn kit, any materials, lumber, supplies, or a refund. By May 2019, four other Beam Barns customers reported paying Willman for barn kits they never received.

A total of $458,189.20 was defrauded from five victims in the barn kit scheme.

In February 2019, Willman vacated his Santa Rosa Beach home without notice.

Based on his actions, Willman’s failure to provide materials, services, or refunds for the money these five individuals sent indicates his intent to defraud.

Willman turned himself into authorities in West Virginia and was arrested on charges of scheming to defraud more than $50,000. He is awaiting extradition to Walton County.