Arab Man Charged in Alleged Construction Fraud Scheme

MARSHALL COUNTY — A Marshall County man is facing multiple felony charges following an investigation into an alleged construction fraud scheme involving hundreds of thousands of dollars.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Jarod Reed, of Arab, was arrested March 19, 2026, and charged with two counts of first-degree theft by deception, first-degree theft of property and first-degree receiving stolen property. His total bond has been set at $160,000.

Authorities said Reed, the owner of Reed Construction, was indicted earlier this month by a Marshall County grand jury. The charges stem from allegations that Reed posed as a licensed building contractor and defrauded two business partners out of approximately $240,000 beginning in January 2025.

Investigators allege Reed created and presented false contractor license numbers and documentation to secure work on major additions to two convenience stores located in Scant City and Decatur. Officials said Reed collected significant payments but completed little work, and the work that was done was described as substandard.

According to the sheriff’s office, Reed received approximately $80,000 related to the Decatur project alone.

In addition to the construction-related allegations, Reed is accused of selling heavy equipment and vehicles without proper titles. Some of the equipment involved in those transactions reportedly belonged to a rental company.

Reed remains in the Marshall County Jail. Authorities also confirmed he is facing similar charges in Madison County, with additional cases under investigation. Officials indicated that more charges could be forthcoming.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to the Marshall County District Attorney’s Office and other assisting agencies for their role in the investigation.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.