Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that on November 26, 2025, Peter Lyle Strauhal, 49 of Salem, was arrested after a yearlong investigation into construction fraud.
The investigation began on October 28, 2024, when a resident from Tangent called the Linn County Sheriff’s Office to report they had paid a Linn County contractor, Travis Thorne, $175,000 to build several structures on their property, but the work had not been completed.
Investigators learned Travis Thorne had subcontracted to, and paid Peter Strauhal, of BLS Green Steel Buildings, $63,162.54 to design the structures and provide the building materials for the construction project. Peter Strauhal provided design plans to the property owners and Thorne performed site preparations. Thorne returned to the property owners stating the project was being delayed as building materials had not been delivered by Strauhal. Thorne stated he had spoken to Strauhal about the building materials, who gave several reasons the building materials were not delivered. Thorne also told property owners he had underestimated the cost of the project and asked them to sign a new contract that included the increased costs. The new contract would include ordering and paying for the building materials through a different company. The property owners refused to sign a new contract and communicated with Thorne over the next few months, trying to recover the funds paid. According to the property owners, Thorne was unable to recover the money paid to Strauhal.
While investigating the theft from the Tangent property owners, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office also received a call in June 2025 from a business in the Lebanon area who wanted to report an additional theft by Strauhal. The business reported they purchased a steel building from Strauhal’s business, BLS Green Steel Buildings. The business paid Strauhal $49,658.31 for the building plans and building material. The business reported they canceled the contract with Strauhal after they had not received the building materials for nine months passed the scheduled delivery date. The business reported they requested a refund from Strauhal but never received any money back.
Investigators additionally found that Strauhal had six civil lawsuits filed against him throughout Oregon. The lawsuits claimed Strauhal accepted funds for projects and did not fulfill the terms of the agreements or contracts. Investigators also were able to determine three complaints had been filed against Strauhal to the Oregon State Board of Architect Examiners (OSBAE). As a result of the complaints, Strauhal signed a settlement agreement with OSBAE on January 1, 2023, where he agreed to pay civil penalties for violating Oregon State Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules as well as other restrictions. On November 1, 2023, the OSBAE issued an order finding Strauhal in default of the settlement agreement and on May 15, 2024, his architect license was suspended. According to the OSBAE website, Peter Strauhal’s architect license is still currently suspended.
Strauhal was arrested in Salem and brought to the Linn County Jail where he is charged with one count of Aggravated Theft I (by Deception) and one count of Forgery in the First Degree (for practicing with a suspended architect’s license) where the Tangent property owners were the victim. He was additionally charged with a second count of Aggravated Theft I (by Deception) for crimes against the Lebanon business owner.
This investigation is continuing into other possible charges, as well as other victims. If you have information related to Peter Strauhal’s fraudulent activities, or believe you may be a victim, please contact 541-967-3950 and ask for Detective Matt Wilcox.