Couple alleges fraud against home builder

Two Galveston County residents have sued a home construction company and its owner, alleging fraud and deceptive trade practices.

Thomas Walsh and Gina Dominique filed a lawsuit March 31 in Galveston County District Court against Arnold “Blu” Shields, individually and doing business as Galveston Service Company, and doing business as Blu Shields Construction, alleging misrepresentation and fraud in a 2014 contract.

According to the complaint, the couple entered into an agreement with the defendant to construct a home on a lot at 310 Valmar St., Kemah, for a total price of $218,524 and they made three initial payments between March 2014 and April 2014 and secured a loan for the balance.

According to the suit, the defendant failed to fulfill his obligations, he diverted funds received toward unrelated projects and he requested additional sums. When the plaintiffs asked Shields to itemize the requisite expenditures he ceased construction, the suit says.

Walsh and Dominique allege Shields deceived them, misrepresented his company’s abilities and misappropriated funds paid for the project. They cite common law fraud, violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and breach of contract.

The couple seeks actual, punitive and treble or exemplary damages to recover their money, along with pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees, expenses and costs. They are represented by attorney Douglas Daniels of Daniels & Gentle in Houston.

In February, a Harris County couple filed a similar suit against Shields.

Galveston County District Court case number: 15-CV-0322