Deputies: Man stole money from senior citizens

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - Cherokee County deputies tell FOX 5 a contractor stole close to $14,000 from two senior citizens, after he promised to fix their roofs.

Deputies said Shawn Roberts, now in the Cherokee County Jail, faces charges of Theft by Deception and two charges of Exploiting an Elder Person.

"We were just afraid there are other people out there, some other victims," said Lt. Jay Baker.

Both victims, one on their 70s and another in their 80s, paid thousands of dollars to Roberts in exchange for fixing their roofs. Deputies said Roberts never started work on either of their homes.

One victim, who spoke to FOX 5 off-camera and wanted to remain anonymous, said he was approached by Roberts after a hail storm hit his Countryside Villas retirement community. He said he believed he could trust Roberts, since he already completed a job for one neighbor.

The victim said after he paid Roberts, months went by without any work, and he eventually contacted deputies. 

Deputies warn against paying all fees upfront to any roofer.

If you believe you could be a victim of Roberts, you are asked to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.