Destin City Councilman Arrested On Grand Theft Charge

DESTIN, Fla. (BuzzReport)— A Destin city councilman is facing a felony grand theft charge after investigators say a property owner paid him a $20,000 deposit for construction work that was never completed, leaving the homeowner with a partially demolished deck and unanswered calls, texts and emails.

Councilman Rodney Braden was arrested following an investigation into allegations surrounding the construction project. According to court records, the property owner paid Braden the $20,000 deposit in February 2024 to begin work on the property.

Investigators say Braden started the project, partially demolishing the home’s back deck, but allegedly abandoned the job before completing the contracted work. According to the investigative report, attempts to contact Braden reportedly went unanswered as the property owner sought answers about the unfinished project and the money that had already been paid.

The investigation also raised questions about whether Braden was properly licensed to perform the construction work.

Investigators reportedly found no contractor’s license for Braden or his company, adding another significant element to the case.

Braden is charged with grand theft, accused of unlawfully obtaining between $10,000 and $20,000 from investors with the alleged intent to deprive them of their money.

The allegations against Braden are particularly notable because he is a sitting elected official in Destin.