Hays County contractor arrested for felony theft

Following a recent investigation, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office is asking county residents to report unfinished or partially finished contract work from a local contractor.

The general contractor in question — 45-yearold John Paul Vargas, Jr. — was arrested and jailed for theft of property on March 27. The offense, which is a firstdegree felony, comes with a fine of $150,000 to $300,000 with a previous conviction. Vargas has since been released on a $75,000 bond, according to the HCSO.

A press release from the HCSO on April 14 stated that Vargas had received partial or full payment for work he never finished.

“If you have hired Mr. Vargas or any of his companies for general construction and have uncompleted work or no work performed at all, please file a report with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency,” the release added.

Right: John Paul Vargas, Jr.