FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) — The president of Rolladen Shutters and Windows has been arrested after failing to deliver his customers' shutters.
Robert Hoffman was supposed to install top-of-the-line hurricane shutters. Instead, investigators said, he took the money and walked away.
Police arrested Hoffman after he surrendered himself at the Broward County Jail, Thursday, where he currently resides.
According to police, the company sold dozens of shutters with no intention of delivering them. Close to two dozen people said he stiffed them out of their money.
Former employees said their company stopped making shutters in November. However, the company kept taking contracts and deposits.
Florida's attorney general said the state is looking into dozens of complaints, and victims keep coming forward.
Employees said Hoffman forced them to come into work to make it seem as if it was business as usual in order to score customers.
Police said Hoffman now faces serious charges. "Grand theft and unlicensed contracting," said Broward Sheriff's Office Detective Daniel Belyeu. "We're evaluating whether it also warrants an additional charge of organized scheme to defraud."
Police said Rolladen has begun paying some of the deposits back. However, more people continue to come forward. "We would love to hear from any other people who have had bad experience or who have paid money to Rolladen and not received any kind of service for that," Belyeu said.
If you were a victim, detectives would still love to hear from you. Please call the BSO Economic Crimes Division at 954-321-4255.
On top of his legal troubles, the company is facing 11 civil suits.
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