(Toledo News Now) - Major developments have emerged in a Call 11 for Action investigation WTOL exposed. More than a year after being arrested by state marshals, a local contractor has now been indicted on new federal charges in Ohio, after authorities believe he may have more victims in the state.
Police say Christopher Barnes took more than $30,000 from Ronald McPherson in 2011, promising to fix his roof and home in Temperance, MI, but never followed through on the contract. McPherson wanted his house redone for his wife's dying wish after she was diagnosed with an inoperable cancer.
Barnes was extradited to Michigan earlier this year and pleaded guilty to two counts of unlicensed residential builder and promised to repay McPherson the money he stole.
In July, the Ohio Attorney General's Office looked into claims that Barnes did the same thing to others in the state.
On Thursday, the Lucas County grand jury handed down six new charges:
-1 count of theft from an elderly person or disabled adult
-3 counts of theft
-1 count of grand theft
-1 count of telecommunications fraud
If you have a situation where you feel you have been wronged, contact our Call 11 for Action office at 419-255-2255.
