DELAWARE, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A Marion man who defrauded homeowners out of more than $400,000 through a predatory construction scheme has been sentenced to at least 17 years in prison, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.
Ryan C. Needels, owner of Clear View Construction, was convicted on 47 felony counts following a trial in Delaware County Common Pleas Court. The convictions include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, telecommunications fraud, money laundering, and 38 counts of theft.
Judge Richard Frye, presiding on assignment, ordered Needels to serve 17 to 22 years in prison and pay $448,000 in restitution to his victims. During sentencing, Frye described Needels as a “predator” who engaged in a pervasive and prolonged scheme to defraud consumers.
The case centered on a long-term operation where Needels accepted large down payments for pole barns and other construction projects but failed to perform the work, instead stealing the funds. The court heard testimony from 19 victims and reviewed numerous victim-impact statements.
“Forty-seven convictions speak for themselves,” Yost said in a statement. “Victims were heard and justice was served.”
The charges stemmed from an August 2023 indictment. While Needels had previously entered a guilty plea to some counts, those convictions were later vacated on appeal, leading to this month’s trial.
The Attorney General’s Office encourages Ohioans who suspect unfair or deceptive business practices to file a complaint at OhioProtects.org or by calling 800-282-0515.