Massive Fraud Scheme Uncovered at Triad Carports in Lexington, NC: Over $611,000 Lost by Victims, Corporate President Arrested
LEXINGTON, N.C. — May 23, 2025 — A sweeping fraud investigation conducted by the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division has uncovered a major financial crime centered around Triad Carports and Metal Structures, Inc., doing business as Triad Carports, located at 1961 East US Highway 64 in Lexington, North Carolina. The months-long probe has resulted in the arrest of company president Jesse Allen Black, 52, of Trinity, North Carolina, who now faces a staggering list of felony charges for allegedly defrauding dozens of victims out of more than $600,000 in total.
The criminal investigation began in early 2025 when the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office began receiving multiple complaints from individuals who had paid substantial deposits for metal buildings and carports that were never delivered or constructed. As detectives pursued leads and gathered evidence, they identified over 25 initial victims who had collectively lost $278,142.00 due to unfulfilled contracts.
April 15 Arrest and Search Warrant Execution
Following weeks of investigative work, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Triad Carports’ business premises on April 15, 2025, where they arrested Jesse Allen Black. He was charged with 25 counts of felonious obtaining property by false pretenses, a charge that carries significant penalties under North Carolina law.
Detectives allege that Black, as corporate president and majority stockholder, accepted deposits in U.S. currency for promised construction projects but failed to deliver the goods or services. Customers reported repeated delays, broken promises, and ultimately, complete abandonment of contracts.
New Charges Filed After Further Investigation
On May 22, 2025, just over a month after the initial arrest, Black was arrested a second time after further investigation uncovered 19 additional victims. These individuals had also made payments for structures that were never built. The second wave of victims reported financial losses totaling $285,726.00. In addition, Black was accused of issuing two worthless checks totaling $47,140.00 to local businesses. The checks bounced due to insufficient funds.
This latest arrest added 19 more felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and two felony charges of issuing worthless checks to Black’s growing list of legal troubles.
At the time of his second arrest, Black was already on pre-trial release from the initial charges filed in April. Authorities have since revoked that release, and Black is now being held in the Davidson County Jail with no bond. His court appearance has been scheduled for June 2, 2025.
Over $611,000 in Total Losses and Rising
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office now confirms that the total financial loss suffered by the 46 known victims in this ongoing case amounts to a staggering $611,008.00. However, investigators believe additional victims may still be unidentified.
This case has sent shockwaves through the Lexington and Davidson County communities, where many small businesses and homeowners had trusted Triad Carports to complete essential construction projects. In several cases, victims lost thousands of dollars — some even dipping into savings or retirement funds — for buildings that never materialized.
Sheriff’s Office Urging Other Victims to Come Forward
Authorities are urging anyone who may have had dealings with Triad Carports and believes they may have been defrauded to come forward. Victims or individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact Lieutenant C. Goforth of the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (336) 242-2123.
Community Reaction and Consumer Warning
The case has prompted warnings from consumer protection groups and law enforcement agencies about the importance of verifying credentials and business histories before issuing large deposits or signing construction contracts. Several customers expressed frustration over what they describe as a pattern of deception and false reassurances by Black and his associates.
“This was our dream project,” said one victim, who paid a $12,000 deposit for a large carport in late 2024. “We were told over and over that delays were temporary. We never imagined it was a scam.”
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that the investigation remains open and active. Further charges could be forthcoming as new information and potential victims emerge.
This case stands as one of the largest fraud investigations in recent Davidson County history, both in terms of financial impact and the number of victims affected. As court proceedings move forward, victims and their families continue to seek justice and restitution for the devastating financial and emotional toll inflicted by this alleged scheme.
