Kristian Nelson is facing another legal problem.
Nelson, 51, of England was charged Sept. 12 in Pulaski County Circuit Court with one count of felony theft of property in connection with allegations that Phelesia Woods gave him a total of $63,500 last year to complete construction jobs that were never completed. The projects at two properties included replacing a roof at a Jacksonville house, but Woods alleged that Nelson didn’t do the work or return the money, according to a Sherwood Police Department report.
Nelson told Whispers last week that he completed the projects.
“I have the evidence,” he said. “We finished her house. She was happy.”
He said that he tried to show detectives his proof, but “they refused to see anything.”
His plea and arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 21 in front of Pulaski County Circuit Judge LaTonya Austin-Honorable.
The punishment for the theft of property charge is five to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
The charge comes on the heels of another legal dispute involving the longtime owner of the historic Little Rock catfish restaurant, Lassis Inn.
If you recall, Elihue Washington Jr., who has owned the restaurant at 518 E. 27th St. for 35 years, sued Nelson in July in Pulaski County Circuit Court. Washington wanted a judge to void the sale of the business to Nelson after learning about Nelson’s criminal history and that he faced a $43.6 million judgment for defrauding a Little Rock octogenarian.
Nelson represented himself in the proceeding with Washington and denied the allegations. Nelson also filed a counterclaim against Washington.
But the court battle didn’t last long. Both sides said in a court filing that they resolved their differences, and both the complaint and counterclaim were dismissed on Aug. 1.
Nelson said these days he’ll cut grass or provide catering services, but he doesn’t do contracting work.
Nelson said that after he lands a job, the owner will get a call from an agency or his ex-wife informing the owner about Nelson’s past.
Nelson was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for wire fraud in 2009 after taking about 20 investors for more than $1 million.
“It puts a negative cloud on me,” he said.
“I made decisions in the past that I have to deal with this,” he said, “but I’m not trying to be a victim here, but at the same time, I just live reality.”
Sign up for Daily E-news
