Wilson v. State

Steven Wilson appeals from the trial court’s denial of his motion for new trial following his conviction on one count of “False Statement and Writing, Concealment of Facts” under OCGA § 16-10-20. We affirm for the reasons set forth below.

Viewed in the light most favorable to the verdict,1 the evidence shows that on or about April 23, 2007, Wilson entered into a contract with Craig and Jennifer Aaron to renovate their home, included adding a second story to the existing ranch-style structure. The contract price was based on Wilson’s estimate that the work would cost approximately $206,150. The false statement charge arises out of Wilson’s application for a building permit from Cobb County for the work he contracted to perform on the Aarons’ home. Wilson listed himself as the property owner on the application, instead of the Aarons, and he described the work to be done as “repairs repair brick repair cornish sic raise ceiling” and listed the estimated construction cost at $10,000 despite the fact that the parties’ contract reflects a cost in excess of $200,000. The building permit itself also lists Wilson as the owner of the property and contains a stamped notation of “repairs & reno, no expansion.” Wilson signed that document before a notary indicating that all the information was true to the best of his knowledge.