A Hastings man filed a lien for more than $100,000 for work he claimed he had done at his girlfriend's ex-husband's Hammock Beach Club condominium near Palm Coast, according to a charging affidavit.

But Flagler County Sheriff's Office detectives said there was a problem. Joseph Dale Martin had not done much, if any, of the work he claimed to justify that $110,880 lien, according to a charging affidavit.

Now, Martin, 38, is charged with grand theft of $750 or more but less than $20,000 and organized scheme to defraud. Each charge is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Martin was arrested Thursday in St. Johns County and released from the St. Johns County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

The ex-husband told detectives that Martin filed a lien for $110,880 on his condo but none of the work was ever completed or only a minimal amount, if any, according to a charging affidavit.

The ex-husband said he had learned that his wife was having an affair with Martin and the couple split for a time but then reconciled, the affidavit stated. Once they were together again the couple started a business called Thin Blue Line Properties, Inc. They purchased the condo in the Club at Hammock Beach together through the business, the affidavit stated.

But the pair ultimately divorced and Martin and the ex-wife have been in a relationship since then, the affidavit stated.

The ex-husband said he was awarded the condo in civil court in 2020. He said he learned that his ex-wife was trying to sell the condo and he hired an attorney, who stopped her, the affidavit stated.

After they couldn't sell the condo, Martin filed the lien, the affidavit stated.

"The defendant is in a relationship with the ex-wife of the victim who feels the only way to obtain financial gain from the property, circumventing the final judgment, was to file a lien," the charging affidavit stated.

Fraudulent lien 'Grossly and willfully exaggerated' work

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office General Assignment Unit detectives determined that Martin attempted to defraud the resident by filing the fraudulent $110,880 lien in 2021 against the condo unit at 200 Ocean Crest Drive.

Martin had "grossly and willfully exaggerated" work and also included work that he did not perform according to a civil case in the matter, the sheriff's office stated.

Detectives learned that Martin had falsely claimed to have completed more than $60,000 worth of work for water removal and remediation. Martin had also failed to complete other work, including replacing the air conditioning unit; baseboard work; and installing new kitchen and bathroom plumbing, according to the sheriff’s office.

“After a thorough investigation by our General Assignment Unit, our partners in St. Johns County were able to detain this thief,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “We are committed to protecting our citizens against these types of fraud. If you have work done on your property, be sure to confirm you are hiring a licensed contractor.”

The sheriff’s office encouraged residents that prior to hiring a contractor they should verify they are licensed in the state by visiting sunbiz.org.