Maryville contractor indicted on multiple counts of fraud and theft

Maryville, Tennessee – Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong said a Maryville contractor who defrauded at least a dozen individuals in Blount County was arrested Sunday on multiple counts of felony contractor fraud and theft.

Thaddeus James Foster, 54, of Butler Mill Road, Maryville, was served Sunday with 24 indictments handed down by the Blount County Grand Jury earlier this month. He was released on bonds totaling $95,000 the same day. Foster was charged with 12 felony counts of fraud by home improvement provider and 12 felony counts of theft. Foster is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. September 25, 2026.

The Sheriff’s Office’s investigation began in June when victims began to come forward to report that they had agreed on a contract with Foothills Fence Company and its owner, Thaddeus Foster, to erect fencing. To date, 11 victims who live in Blount County have come forward and reported they were defrauded by Foster. One victim who lives in the City of Maryville also reported to Maryville Police Department that they had also been victimized.  All of the victims paid Foster a down payment for half of the agreed price. The investigation revealed that Mr. Foster never started or completed the work for any of the complainants, nor has he returned any of the money. The investigation further revealed that Foster bilked victims out of more than $40,000 in total.

The investigation is continuing, and additional charges could be forthcoming.