Centennial man convicted of theft in steel building sales

Font ResizeLocal NewsThe Denver Postdenverpost.comPosted: 12/21/2012 05:08:34 PM MSTDecember 22, 2012 12:23 AM GMTUpdated: 12/21/2012 05:23:37 PM MST

A man who took money for steel buildings and kits he never built, and then took the money to the casinos was convicted of three counts of theft Friday.

Brent Evan Widdifield, 42, of Centennial, would advertise the sale of the steel buildings from "Action Steel Buildings" in local newspapers and across the internet.

He collected more than $300,000 from 42 people across 14 states. Thirty-two of them testified at the Jefferson County trial.

After posting bond for the original theft counts earlier this year, Widdifield went on to solicit and accept money from more victims, leading to third theft charge, and a charge for a violation of bail bond conditions.

The jury also found Widdifield guilty of that bond violation.

District Attorney Scott Storey thanked the Lakewood Police Department and his economic crime unit for investigating the case.

"These crimes impacted victims throughout the country," Storey said in a released statement. "I am pleased that justice was achieved in this trial."

Widdifield is scheduled for sentencing at 1:15 p.m. on Jan. 28.

View the Original article