On November 26, 2025, Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan announced the arrest of Peter Lyle Strauhal, a 49-year-old Salem resident, after a yearlong investigation into construction fraud.
The investigation began in October 2024. A Tangent resident reported paying $175,000 to contractor Travis Thorne for several structures. The work was not completed. Thorne had subcontracted Peter Strauhal, owner of BLS Green Steel Buildings, and paid him $63,162.54 for design and building materials. These materials were not delivered. Strauhal provided only design plans. Thorne cited delays and requested a new contract with higher costs, which the property owners declined. Attempts to recover funds from Strauhal were unsuccessful.
In June 2025, the investigation expanded. A Lebanon-area business reported paying Strauhal $49,658.31 for a steel building that was not delivered. After nine months without materials, the business canceled the contract and did not receive a refund. Investigators found that Strauhal had six civil lawsuits filed against him in Oregon, all alleging he accepted funds without completing work…