Carmel on the Case: Roofer Nightmares

WSVN--Frank Manick had a roofing license for decades.

But when he sold his business - Jamison Roofing - he let the new owners use the license for a fee. And that's against the law.

Manick had to appear before Palm Beach County's construction industry licensing board.

Marion Ratella: "The hearing this afternoon is about a roofing contractor who sold his license to unlicensed individuals who in turn used that license to defraud 50 victims out of a hundred and forty thousand dollars."

Among the victims - people who thought Jamison's slogan, 'Jesus Saves', meant the company could be trusted.

Ralph Restivo: "Uh -- a religious person? You can't go wrong. You know that was a very big factor in my signing the contract."

But customer after customer ended up with a devil of a problem when Jamison Roofing took thousands of dollars and did no work.

Angelon Cacopardo: "I've never paid for anything in my life and not gotten anything in return..especially that kind of money."

This was after the 2005 hurricane season.

Widow Bev Hutching says she lost three thousand dollars to Jamison.

Bev Hutching: "And I'm sorry but I'm sure Jesus doesn't like this - OK?"

State records show Norman Frey as the company's major stockholder.

When we went to his address in Alva, Florida we found an open mailbox with letters for Jamison roofing and an empty lot where his trailer once stood.

Authorities suspect frey took the money but he still cannot be found.

The county contends homeowners would not have been victimized by Jamison Roofing if Frank Manick had not allowed his license to be used.

Kurt Eismann: "We strongly recommend to the board that they revoke Mr. Manick's license - contractors - roofing contractors license."

Manick's attorney told the board his client did not know it was illegal to allow someone else to use his license.

William Benson: "No one ever brought up to Mr. Manick that this business of letting them use his license was a violation of your law."

Manick also promised he is working to fix the problem.

Carmel Cafiero: "Is there anything you'd like to say to the victims - the people who spent their money?"

Frank Mannick: "I just said it - we're doing everything we can to try to resolve it."

But it wasn't enough to convince the board - who unanimously voted to take away his license.

"All in favor - eye. All opposed...? Motion carries."

Carmel Cafiero: "This is by no means over. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has an open and active investigation of the man who did - take the money and run. Once he's located, look for authorities to look for criminal charges and restitution. Carmel Cafiero 7 News."

Call her in Dade at 305-627-CLUE
Or in Broward at 954-921-CLUE
Contact: clue@wsvn.com