(CINCINNATI) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that a Hamilton County Grand Jury has issued an indictment charging Christopher Burnett with two counts of theft from an elderly person or disabled adult, both of which are felonies of the second degree and carry a maximum sentence of up to eight years in prison. The charges result from Burnett's July 2012 interactions with a 74-year-old Cincinnati-area man.
In July 2012, Christopher Burnett approached a 74-year-old Cincinnati-area homeowner and offered roof and driveway contracting services. The homeowner agreed to this work and paid Burnett approximately $5,700. The work that the victim initially agreed to was started, but never finished.
Burnett later requested additional money in order to "complete his work." Due to the victim's health issues, the victim signed, and allowed Burnett to take three blank checks in July 2012. Burnett subsequently cashed those three checks for a total of $69,760 and did no further work on the victim's house. Law enforcement became aware of Burnett's actions after receiving a tip from the victim's bank.
"It doesn't matter whether you operate over the Internet or out of a pickup truck, stealing is stealing," said Ohio Attorney General DeWine. "My office will continue working to ensure that this type of fraud is prosecuted."
The indictment is the result of cooperation between Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters, the City of Forest Park Police Department, and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine's Economic Crimes Division.
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Mark Moretti: 614-466-3840