Eugene Builder Admits Taking More Than $850,000 for Newport Townhouses That Were Never Built

By Lucille McNamara On Sep 22, 2026

Mark Hatfield U.S. Courthouse. Portland, Oregon | Credit: M.O. Stevens

EUGENE, Ore. — A Eugene builder, who defrauded owners of vacant lots in Newport of more than $850,000, is now facing 20 years in prison.

David Paul Williams (46) appeared in the Portland U.S. District Court yesterday after pleading guilty to wire fraud. He will be sentenced on December 22, 2026.

According to court records, Williams entered into agreements with owners to build townhouses on their vacant lots in Newport.

He defrauded the owners through his companies, TreeNada Co and Treenada Construction, after entering into agreements in November 2020. Williams received over $850,000 from the owners between late 2020 and 2022.

Court documents state that Williams emailed the owners with false progress reports, misleading them to obtain additional funding.

Tidings Insight

Wire fraud covers schemes using interstate electronic communications, including email, to obtain money through false pretenses. A standard conviction under federal law carries up to 20 years in prison.

Court documents reveal that Williams used the money to pay for other projects, debts, and a church he had previously defrauded.

Williams is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victims as part of a plea agreement.

By Lucille McNamara | Covers public safety, courts and Oregon policy

Eugene Lane County