Amanda Sparks, the owner of A&L Sheds, was arrested earlier this week on theft charges totaling up to $300,000, though many victims claim the amount is far greater.
Sparks stands accused of taking money from customers without providing the promised shed and/or tiny home services. Now, victims are speaking out, demanding justice and harsher punishment.
The arrest follows a report by KPRC 2’s Joy Addison, who first looked into the allegations in Nov. 2024. After the initial report aired, several viewers contacted the station’s Help Desk, revealing they too had fallen victim to Sparks’ alleged fraudulent practices.
A growing list of victims
Among those who filed complaints are a church and a women’s shelter, both of which reportedly lost large sums of money. The victims’ list, submitted to the Harris County Attorney’s Office and tracked on the “Scam Free HC” website, includes 14 individuals who have already come forward. However, many believe the actual number of victims is much higher.
Sparks was arrested on Monday, with her bail set at $20,000. She has since been released, but the low bail amount has sparked frustration among victims, who argue that the punishment should be more severe given the extent of the alleged scam.
The alleged scheme
Charging documents indicate that in January 2023, Amanda Sparks began receiving deposits from customers for shed and tiny home builds. According to the documents, Sparks continuously pushed back build dates and refused to offer refunds when customers requested them. Victims say Sparks' actions have resulted in financial hardship for many, including elderly customers who had to tap into retirement savings or borrow money to pay for services they never received.
Julia Marino, one of the 14 victims named in the case, believes the actual amount taken is much higher than the $207,000 stated in the charging documents. She helped compose the victim’s list that was originally submitted to The Harris County Attorney’s Office. “The amount of money that was taken is much higher than what’s in those charging documents,” Marino said.
The call for justice
The arrest and subsequent low bail have left many feeling unsatisfied with the progress of the case. “It makes you really question the justice system” Marino said. Victims like Wanda Evans, who lost everything due to the alleged scam, say they want to see Sparks held fully accountable. “This isn’t over. It won’t end until she’s in jail and has paid back all the victims,” Evans said. “People have lost their homes, their savings. This has gone on long enough.”
Marino says she is particularly concerned about the elderly customers involved, who may feel too embarrassed to speak out, publicly. Marino noted, “These are elderly people who cashed in their 401(k)s, borrowed money—they are too embarrassed to come forward. There are churches that have been victimized too.”
What’s next for Amanda Sparks?
Amanda Sparks is due in court tomorrow, with conditions for her release stipulating that she cannot operate a business while awaiting trial. Despite these conditions, the A&L Sheds website remains active, which has left many wondering if Sparks is still attempting to conduct business.
If you believe you’ve been scammed by Sparks or A&L Sheds, you can submit a complaint through the “Scam Free HC” website and report your case to KPRC 2’s Help Desk.
