Unlicensed tree trimmer allegedly scams Marion woman out of $4K for fence installation

A 46-year-old Silver Springs man was arrested on a felony warrant after he allegedly took a $4,200 payment from a woman for a fence installation that he never started.  

The female victim originally hired a man, identified as John Paul Howell, in July 2025 to remove several trees from her property, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.

The victim told investigators that Howell provided an initial invoice for $2,000, but she ultimately paid him $5,000 because he continuously told her throughout the day that additional trees needed to be removed.

During the tree removal, the victim mentioned that she also wanted to install a fence on her property, prompting Howell to claim that he also installs fences. In early August 2025, the victim provided Howell with a check for $4,200 so he could purchase the fence panels while they were on sale, and he allegedly cashed the check that same day, according to the report.

A few weeks later, the victim reportedly contacted Howell regarding the installation, and he allegedly told her he would begin “in a few days” once his “crew” was assembled. After waiting several more weeks, the victim attempted to call him again and discovered that his phone had been disconnected.

The victim told deputies that she last spoke to Howell in December 2025 when she asked for a refund. Howell allegedly claimed that the money had been stolen by his roommate, and he instructed the victim to avoid contacting law enforcement because he did not want his roommate to get in trouble, according to the report.

During the investigation, an MCSO detective reportedly discovered that Howell’s tree service was not a registered business and that he did not hold a contractor license. In addition, the report mentioned that there was no evidence suggesting that any work was done or purchases were made toward the victim’s fence installation.

A felony warrant was issued for Howell’s arrest last week, and he was located at his Silver Springs residence and taken into custody on Monday, July 6.

Howell was transported to Marion County Jail, where he remains in custody. He is being charged with grand theft of property valued between $750 and $5,000.

A court date for Howell has not yet been scheduled, according to jail records.