Contractor charged for sunroom scam

FREMONT — A Fremont contractor is facing a felony charge after allegedly failing to complete a sunroom addition and misappropriating approximately $22,000 in customer funds intended for materials.
Daniel Robert Schmidt, 49, was charged on Dec.15 with Theft by Contractor (>$10,000 - $100,000), a Class G Felony. If convicted, Schmidt could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, or both.
According to the criminal complaint, it alleges that Schmidt, doing business as Schmidt Construction, entered into a contract on March 26, 2025, for a sunroom addition estimated at $85,000. The project began on May 22, 2025.

Allegations of Misappropriation
The victim, whose name was withheld, reported to the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) on Oct. 23, 2025, that they had fronted Schmidt $50,000 for materials for the project and he allegedly failed to purchase the remaining approximately $22,000 in materials.
The victim reported that Schmidt was inconsistent with showing up for work and had not been on the jobsite or purchased materials since early September.
The victim told Deputy Wayde Ernstmeyer they were concerned Schmidt was using the funds for personal needs outside of the contract. Schmidt had mentioned he was going through a divorce.

Unanswered Communication
After the initial report, Deputy Ernstmeyer contacted Schmidt on Oct. 23, 2025. Schmidt acknowledged the victim’s concerns and the $22,000 in unpurchased materials, advising that he would no longer be doing contracting work but intended to contact the victim within 24 hours to find a solution.
However, the victim notified WPSO on Oct. 25 and again on Nov. 5 and Nov. 19, 2025, that Schmidt had not made contact. On Nov. 5, Schmidt told Deputy Ernstmeyer he had forgotten due to “more personal issues,” but promised to go to the bank that day to “try and get the money released” and contact the victim.
As of Nov. 19, the victim had not received any response. The victim subsequently hired another contractor to complete the sunroom due to concerns about the partially constructed state as winter approached.