LUSBY, Md. — A Hollywood man faces felony theft charges after authorities say he accepted payment for home improvement work at a Lusby residence but allegedly abandoned the project without completing contracted services or obtaining required state licensing. Matthew P. Eckstein, 34, of Hollywood, is accused of performing fence repair, painting, siding, and roofing work without a valid Maryland home improvement license, according to court documents.
Court records show the homeowner entered into a contract with Eckstein for home improvement services including fence repair, painting, siding, and roofing work at a Sycamore Road residence. Documents reveal Eckstein was last on site working on fence repair on Nov. 4, 2024. A witness present at the home during this period confirmed this date to investigators, court filings state.
Authorities report a search of Maryland Home Improvement Commission records by its executive director revealed Eckstein did not obtain a home improvement license before acting in the capacity of a home improvement contractor. Records show such licensing is required under Maryland Business Regulation Article and constitutes a criminal violation when contractors operate without proper credentials.
Court documents allege Eckstein did not complete the services paid for and left the work incomplete and abandoned. Filings reveal the homeowner requested Eckstein either complete the services in a professional manner or refund the money paid for the services. Records show Eckstein allegedly failed to fulfill the obligations of the written contract through his inactivity to provide the services within a specified amount of time and satisfy the homeowner with the work performed.
Investigators obtained a digital image of Eckstein through the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles and presented it to the homeowner and a witness for identification purposes, court papers state. Documents reveal both individuals separately and positively identified the image as the home improvement contractor who entered into the contract and performed the services.
Eckstein faces three criminal charges, including failure to perform a contract, selling home improvement services without a license, and theft of $1,500 to under $25,000. The failure to perform contract charge carries a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine, while the unlicensed contractor charge carries a maximum of two years’ imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. The felony theft charge carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, if convicted.
Court records show authorities issued a summons rather than making a custodial arrest. The summons was issued on Oct. 15, 2025, requiring Eckstein’s appearance in court. A preliminary inquiry is scheduled for Dec. 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in Calvert County District Court.
The case highlights enforcement of Maryland’s home improvement contractor licensing requirements designed to protect consumers from unqualified or fraudulent contractors, according to state officials. The State’s Attorney’s Office for Calvert County is prosecuting all charges.
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What about the tree cutters without a license ? They get a slap on the wrist and back at it the next day. Same will happen in this case. A judgement will be reached, but never enforced.
Amen! That idiot tree cutter has been running around for years unlicensed, uninsured, and not bonded. Doesn’t have a single vehicle that he can legally drive on the road anymore so he’s got to rent the Lowe’s truck and an U Haul everyday. A case history seven pages long. Animals seized. Terrorizing those poor people out in love ville that are unfortunate enough to have him as a neighbor. A true POS. But never an article about him. Ridiculous.