Police: Roof alleged scammer wanted... again

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Investigators are searching for a man previously arrested for a roof repair scam, now facing a new set of charges related to at least nine victims.

Richard “Scott” King, who police said targeted a number of seniors, now faces several additional warrants for Theft by Deception and one warrant for Exploitation of a Disabled Adult or Elder Person, according to officials.  His current whereabouts are unknown.

Police believe there may be additional victims.

On July 31, 2017, more than a year after the first incidents of which King was investigated back in 2016, the lead investigator was contacted by a Gwinnett County Assistant District Attorney who alerted him to several new victims who gave money to Scott for bogus roof repairs, according to officials.

After speaking with the new victims, all of them identified King as the person who they dealt with and paid. "They give him money. They believe he is who he says he is," said Detective Nermin Cultarvic, who said King falsely claims to work for reputable roofing companies.

Cultarvic also said the victims range between 50 and 80 years old; a number of the victims were also Asian families, targeted by King because of the perception that those families would have more cash, he said.

In 2016, King was responsible for multiple crimes in which he tricked homeowners into giving him upfront down payments for roof repairs that were never completed.

King was arrested on July 5, 2016, for Theft by Deception, Exploitation of Disabled Adult or Elder Person, and Deposit Account Fraud. He was ultimately released on bond on July 27, 2016.

After those homeowners gave the money to King, he refused further contact and denied issuing refunds, according to officials. Some homeowners even resorted to making homemade road signs alerting unsuspecting neighbors that King was a “fraud” and a “thief.”

If you believe you were possibly scammed by Scott King, please contact the Gwinnett County Police as soon as possible.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number:  17-050250