A Colorado roofing contractor was sentenced to eight years in prison for felony theft after scamming customers in four counties across the state, the Montrose Press reports. After serving in prison, George Harris will be on 10 years of economic crimes probation and will be required to pay restitution to his victims.
Harris, using his front-business East West Roofing LLC, offered potential clients an initial estimate for roofing repairs and solicited down payments, then failed to complete the contracted roofing project. He kept and used the solicited funds for personal expenses, including multiple houses, frequent lavish meals, and anti-aging procedures. Between June 2014 and May 2015, he bilked 30 victims out of more than $250,000.
The Residential Roofing Bill of Rights, which became law in 2012, requires roofing contractors to keep client funds in a trust either until materials have been ordered or a large portion of the contracted roof has been completed.
“When bad actors — especially ones providing essential services like roofing repair — victimize and deceive consumers, they hurt the entire community,” said AG Phil Weiser in a provided statement. “Dishonest and deceptive businesses that violate the law and steal from Coloradans will not be tolerated. Those who engage in these illegal business practices must be held accountable.”
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