Ohio AG, Hamilton County prosecutor announce indictment of man for stealing from storm victims
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters have announced the indictment of a man who allegedly stole more than $43,000 from at least nine victims in Ohio and Kentucky who had storm damage to their homes.
The indictment was the result of a collaborative investigation by the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section – Economic Crimes Division, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, and the Jackson Township Police Department in Stark County, Ohio.
"Ohio simply will not tolerate contractors who target victims whose homes have been damaged in a storm," said Attorney General Mike DeWine. "My office will continue to work with law enforcement and prosecutors around Ohio to find these storm chasers and put them in prison."
Joshua Salyers, of Butler County, Ohio, was indicted on Thursday by a Hamilton County grand jury on 10 felony counts of Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activities, Theft, and Theft from the Elderly.
According to investigators, Salyers, 39, ran a storm damage restoration company and allegedly took more than $43,000 from homeowners in Hamilton County, Butler County, Stark County, and Campbell County, Kentucky, to repair their homes after storms. After getting their money, Salyers never began the work and refused to refund their money.
A warrant for Salyers' arrest has been issued.
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Bart Cosgrove, from the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section - Economic Crimes Division, has been appointed as a special prosecuting attorney for the case. The Economic Crimes Division was established by Attorney General DeWine to help investigate and prepare criminal consumer fraud cases for local prosecution.
Attorney General DeWine encourages consumers to research a business with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and Better Business Bureau before making any payments. Consumers also should check with the Ohio Secretary of State to determine whether a business is registered with the state.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 800-282-0515.