Former Contractor Accused of Racketeering Faces 30 Years after Conviction

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Contractor Jesse LaCoste faces up to 30 years in prison after being convicted of grand theft and contractor fraud. A jury found him guilty of demolishing a homeowner's house in 2021 and then failing to finish promised renovation work. LaCoste is set to be sentenced December 11th. His attorneys are now coordinating with prosecutors across multiple counties where he faces similar charges, including a white-collar racketeering case. Prosecutors say LaCoste and his brother-in-law defrauded homeowners, insurance companies and subcontractors out of more than two million dollars. LaCoste's attorney says there could be a plea deal reached at sentencing.