Action News investigation helps lead to Philadelphia contractor’s arrest

In line with the Philadelphia District Lawyer’s workplace, Juan Rodriguez victimized at the least 10 folks, together with a lady whose dwelling was broken in a hearth.

Rodriguez is now going through 13 counts of dwelling enchancment fraud in addition to 11 counts of theft by deception.

The Motion Information Troubleshooters have been warning you about Rodriguez since 2017, after a number of folks complained that he took their cash with out ever ending the job.

The district legal professional’s workplace even named our report within the arrest affidavit.

“I do not wish to be portrayed like I am a foul contractor,” mentioned Rodriguez in February 2021.

Nydia Han informed Rodriguez that prospects she talked to mentioned he lied to them.

“I do not know who would say that,” he mentioned.

Erika Taylor, Maxna Germaine, Dale Schmid, Charlotte Conway and Tina Barlow are simply among the individuals who did.

“He would say he was coming. He would by no means present up,” mentioned Taylor of Roxborough.

“I am indignant, I am upset,” mentioned Schmid of South Philadelphia.

Since 2017, the Motion Information Troubleshooters have spoken to seven individuals who all say Rodriguez took cash and by no means completed their jobs. Then, in lots of instances, failed to supply refunds.

“I used to be pissed! So that you can make the most of me realizing, I imply, it is onerous out right here,” mentioned Barlow of Southwest Philadelphia.

Now Rodriguez is going through felony expenses introduced by the Philadelphia District Lawyer’s workplace on behalf of 11 customers. These expenses embrace dwelling enchancment fraud, misleading enterprise practices, and theft.

“We imagine that he had an intent to steal from these victims,” mentioned Philadelphia Assistant District Lawyer Anthony Gil.

The affidavit mentions the Troubleshooters report.

“It was truly very useful,” mentioned Gil. “You interviewed Rodriguez and in your interview with Rodriguez, he indicated that almost all of those instances, the rationale why he didn’t return the cash or he walked off the job have been because of points with COVID.”

“Nonetheless, after we interviewed nearly all of these victims, we came upon that almost all of those victims had work that was alleged to be accomplished previous to COVID,” mentioned Gil.

One other replace: Dale Schmid has now been awarded a judgment in his case towards Rodriguez.

“I’m thrilled there was a coalition of us that got here collectively,” he mentioned.

And also you may bear in mind the Troubleshooters additionally sparked motion by the Pennsylvania Lawyer Normal’s workplace. Litigation is pending in a lawsuit it filed towards Rodriguez after deactivating his contractor registration final yr.

“No, ma’am. I have never ripped anyone off,” mentioned Rodriguez in 2021.

In the event you had or have a contract with Rodriguez, the district legal professional’s workplace needs to listen to from you when you’ve got a difficulty.

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