KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, Ind. -- An Indiana contractor is facing a charge after allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars to spend on personal expenses.

Larry Hilty of Milroy is charged with Theft where value of property is between $750 & $50,000, a felony.

Officials say a client allegedly gave Hilty $46,000 in 2023 to construct a structure in Kosciusko County. The check the client gave Hilty was allegedly cashed out that September, with a start date for the project listed for December 2023.

According to investigators, the start date was repeatedly pushed back. The client alleges they asked Hilty for their money back; Hilty allegedly claimed the money was already spent on other projects.

Investigators say they spoke to multiple former employees who alleged financial mismanagement from Hilty. An investigation into Hilty's finances allegedly showed him spending $3,500 on gambling between December 2023 and August 2024. In that time, he also allegedly spent $8,000 on businessman and influencer Grant Cardone and Cardone's venture capital company, as well as over $10,500 on restaurants, sporting events, travel, streaming services, and a gym membership. Hilty also allegedly made $14,780 in ATM withdrawals in this time period.

Officials say these expenses coincide with Hilty delaying the client's project. As of September 2026, no work on that project has been completed.

Hilty is due in court November 16.