Kansas City contractor Max Howell pleads guilty to federal charges

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - Max Howell has pleaded guilty to federal charges of bank fraud and money laundering.

The contractor was the recent focus of numerous KCTV5 investigative reports where families questioned what happened to their money.

Numerous subcontractors also stepped forward claiming they were never paid for their work.

Those allegations have stacked up in civil courts in both Kansas and Missouri.

Criminal charges came in August of 2022 when federal prosecutors argued Howell misused funds from HUD and other grants.

Howell faces up to 40 years in prison. Sentencing takes place in September.

Public records show Howell has created a total of 10 businesses in Kansas and Missouri. New business names meant homeowners were often unaware of previous problems.

The civil lawsuits remain ongoing. Just earlier this month, a Clay County judge granted a summary judgment of $75,000 against Max Howell. Other civil lawsuits remain ongoing.

KCTV5 reached out to Max Howell and his attorney for comment but did not hear back.

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