Jesse Allen Black Arrested in Lexington, N.C., Fraud Scandal: Dozens of Victims Defrauded of Over $600,000 in Sweeping Financial Scheme Linked to Triad Carports and Metal Structures, Inc.
Jesse Allen Black Arrested in Lexington, N.C., Fraud Scandal: Dozens of Victims Defrauded of Over $600,000 in Sweeping Financial Scheme Linked to Triad Carports and Metal Structures, Inc.
LEXINGTON, N.C. — May 23, 2025 — In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Davidson County community and beyond, authorities have announced the culmination of a months-long investigation into an elaborate financial fraud scheme centered around a local metal structure manufacturing business. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division has formally arrested Jesse Allen Black, 52, of Trinity, North Carolina — the president of Triad Carports and Metal Structures, Inc., also known simply as Triad Carports — in connection with an alleged fraudulent operation that defrauded dozens of unsuspecting victims of more than $600,000 in total.
Black, who held executive control over the day-to-day operations and financial decisions of the company, now faces an extensive list of felony charges, including obtaining property by false pretenses, financial identity fraud, fraudulent business practices, and conspiracy to commit fraud. These charges stem from what investigators describe as a calculated and systematic scheme that targeted individual consumers and businesses alike, robbing them of their hard-earned money through a series of deceptive sales transactions, false promises, and undelivered products.
A Long-Term Investigation Yields Shocking Results
The investigation into Triad Carports began several months ago, after local residents began filing complaints with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office. Many reported a similar pattern of deception: payments were collected up front for carports, garages, and other metal structures that were never delivered or installed. In many cases, communication with the company ceased immediately after payment was made. Others received substandard work or incomplete projects, despite paying in full.
As the number of complaints mounted, the Criminal Investigation Division launched a full-scale operation. Investigators gathered volumes of financial documents, business records, emails, and customer contracts. They also interviewed over 50 alleged victims, many of whom came forward with emotional and financial distress, some having lost thousands of dollars that had been earmarked for property improvements or essential business investments.
According to law enforcement sources, the fraudulent activities spanned multiple counties in North Carolina, with victims identified not only in Davidson County but also in neighboring counties including Randolph, Guilford, and Rowan. Some out-of-state victims have also emerged, leading to the possibility of future federal charges and multi-jurisdictional cooperation.
The Modus Operandi: Exploiting Trust and Bypassing Accountability
Authorities describe the scheme as alarmingly organized. Jesse Allen Black, through Triad Carports, reportedly used online advertising, social media platforms, and a polished website to market metal carports, barns, garages, and other custom structures. The company’s promotional materials offered competitive pricing, flexible installation options, and fast delivery — all promises that played a significant role in building customer trust.
Once customers expressed interest, they were typically asked to pay a substantial upfront deposit, ranging from a few hundred dollars to as much as $10,000 or more, depending on the size and complexity of the project. In many documented cases, Black and his associates would provide invoices, estimated delivery dates, and even contracts that appeared legitimate.
However, according to detectives, these materials were nothing more than tools of deception. Delivery dates would pass with no activity, and follow-up calls and emails would go unanswered. When frustrated customers pushed harder, they were often met with excuses — claims of supply chain issues, staffing shortages, weather delays, or even threats of legal action if they canceled their orders.
Several victims reported being manipulated into making additional payments under false pretenses, further exacerbating their financial losses. In one particularly troubling case, an elderly couple from Lexington lost nearly $15,000, which they had withdrawn from retirement savings to build a metal structure that never materialized.
Community Impact: Financial and Emotional Fallout
The human toll of this scandal cannot be understated. Beyond the staggering financial losses, victims have reported significant emotional stress, family strain, and in some cases, mental health issues stemming from the betrayal and financial instability caused by the fraud.
Many of the defrauded individuals had planned for years to purchase structures that were integral to their homes or businesses — farmers seeking barns, small business owners in need of storage units, or homeowners looking to protect their vehicles and equipment. These were not luxury items, but necessary infrastructure. In each case, the breach of trust was devastating.
One victim, a single mother of three from Thomasville, said, “I worked two jobs for over a year to save up for a carport so my kids could have a safer place to get in and out of the car during storms. I gave them [Triad Carports] everything I had saved, and I got nothing. No refund, no explanation — just silence.”
Several victims are now organizing a class-action civil lawsuit against Jesse Allen Black and Triad Carports, seeking restitution for their losses and damages for the emotional and logistical hardship they endured.
Legal Proceedings and Criminal Charges
The criminal case against Jesse Allen Black is unfolding rapidly. Following his arrest, Black was booked into the Davidson County Detention Center, where he remains held under a secured bond exceeding $750,000. During a preliminary hearing held earlier this week, prosecutors described the case as “one of the largest and most egregious fraud operations uncovered in Davidson County in the last decade.”
The charges currently include:
- Multiple counts of obtaining property by false pretenses (Class H felony)
- Financial identity fraud (Class G felony)
- Felonious conspiracy
- Operating a fraudulent business enterprise
- Criminal use of deceptive business practices
District Attorney Garry Frank’s office has indicated that additional charges may be filed as more victims come forward and as forensic audits reveal deeper financial irregularities.
If convicted, Jesse Allen Black faces dozens of years in prison, significant fines, and potential civil restitution orders. Authorities are also exploring whether any co-conspirators within the company’s operational hierarchy were aware of or participated in the scheme.
A Call for Accountability and Vigilance
In the wake of this scandal, local officials are urging residents to be vigilant and exercise caution when engaging with contractors and businesses requiring large deposits or upfront payments. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office has created a dedicated hotline and online portal for individuals who believe they may have been defrauded by Triad Carports to report their experience and assist with the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff Richie Simmons stated, “This investigation underscores the importance of consumer awareness and accountability in business practices. Our community deserves to feel secure when doing business locally. We will not tolerate those who exploit trust for personal gain.”
The Road Ahead
As the legal case continues to develop and the community works toward healing, the broader implications of this case are becoming increasingly clear. It is a stark reminder that financial crimes, though often hidden behind paperwork and contracts, can have devastating real-world consequences for everyday people. The betrayal of trust, the loss of financial security, and the ripple effects of fraud touch every corner of a victim’s life.
For those affected, justice will come not only through criminal prosecution but through community support, legal restitution, and collective healing. Law enforcement officials, consumer protection agencies, and legal advocates are now working in concert to ensure that every voice is heard and that every victim receives the closure and compensation they deserve.
Conclusion
The arrest of Jesse Allen Black marks a major milestone in a complex and emotionally charged investigation, but it is only the beginning of a long legal and societal reckoning. As new information continues to emerge and additional victims come forward, the case of Triad Carports will remain a defining moment in the fight against consumer fraud in North Carolina.
In this pursuit of justice, the voices of the victims — whose lives and savings were so deeply impacted — will continue to guide the path forward.
If you or someone you know has information related to this case or believes they may have been a victim, please contact the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division immediately.
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