Four Arrested In Roofing Scam In Austin County

The Austin County Sheriff’s Department put out the following press release concerning a roofing scam that took place in Austin County:

On December 21, 2015, at 9:26 a.m., the Austin County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call from Industry State Bank at 16886 Fordtran Blvd, informing them of possible fraud committed on one of their customers. Austin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrived at that location on December 21, 2015 at 9:36 a.m. and started the investigation. They were informed that two suspects standing at the counter attempted to cash checks on one of the bank customers and two other suspects were waiting outside in a black Dodge pickup. They were then informed that the customer had frozen their bank account prior to the suspects attempting to cash their checks. Further investigation revealed that the suspects had approached a couple at their residence and requested to do roof repair. The suspects then started roof repair without permission from the owners. The suspects appeared to do very little work on the roof and then the suspects approached the victims and requested a large sum of money. The victims were then afraid of the four suspects and paid them money by check. All four suspects were then arrested and charged with theft from person (elderly) and theft from person. All four suspects were then transported to the Austin County Jail. The suspects were then identified as Geno John age 27, Mike Paul John age 20, Steve Green age 26 and Vinney John age 19. All four suspects are currently in jail charged with Theft from Person, with $200,000.00 bond and Theft from Person (elderly) with $200,000.00 bond each. They are also being charged by Washington County for engaging in organized criminal activity with $150,000.00 bond each, which occurred in Washington County. It was also determined that the suspects committed fraud in numerous other counties, which have been notified. “This sends a strong message to any and all criminals that when they come to Austin County and commit crimes, they will be arrested and put in jail. I am very proud of our Austin County Deputies for the quick response and professional investigative tactics,” says Sheriff Jack Brandes.