Atlanta Police Apprehend Two Brothers for Roofing Scam Targeting Elderly
Atlanta police have placed two men under arrest for their suspected involvement in a roofing scam that targeted elderly residents in the Druid Hills and Emory University area.
Jeffrey Glen Ogles from Griffin and Keith Derrick Ogles, of Jonesboro, are facing the accusation that they swindled tens of thousands of dollars from roofing victims, including an 84-year-old Morningside woman with short-term memory loss, who allegedly gave them over $40,000.
According to police, the woman was approached several times by the brothers, who demanded more money for repairs on her roof each time they visited. According to the investigation, the shoddy repairs that the men performed would have only cost $1,500 in work and materials if they were done properly.
Police found several additional victims around the area of Druid Hills and Emory University. Another victim, an 85-year-old man, paid the Ogles $72,000 for similar repairs. When the victim grew suspicious and began refusing to make additional payments, the suspects tried to intimidate him and threatened to destroy the work they’d already done.
Police caught up with the brothers at the Druid Hills home of another possible victim on Nov. 21 and brought them to Dekalb County Jail. They are currently being held on $50,000 bond each and have been charged with financial exploitation of the elderly.
Roofing scams frequently target the elderly, and similar scams have cropped up across the country. Some involve shoddy repairs for outrageous prices, while others involve one con man distracting the resident with a roofing evaluation while the other robs the house. Roofing schemes are especially common after major weather events that damage roofs and leave residents desperate for repair.
Investigators believe that the Ogle brothers targeted more victims, and urge anyone who hasn’t come forward yet out of fear of retaliation or embarrassment to contact the Atlanta Police Department at 404-546-4240.
