DEARBORN COUNTY, Ind. — A Dearborn County man is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly defrauding Indiana homeowners after severe weather caused widespread property damage.
Christopher Schwab, a public adjuster and owner of Claims Management Specialist, was arrested on Tuesday, April 29. He is charged with forgery, financial institution fraud, theft, and corrupt business influence after an investigation revealed he stole over $180,000 through deceptive business practices.
According to court documents, Schwab also operated a roofing business called Over the Top Roofing. Investigators say he forged signatures on three-party insurance checks, depositing them without the homeowners’ authorization.
The alleged fraud came to light in June 2024, after a March hailstorm in Switzerland County prompted several residents to seek repairs. Additional victims emerged during the investigation, stating that Schwab billed their insurance companies without consent and often failed to provide signed contracts.
“He would write these repairs, but he wasn’t always giving contracts with these people,” said Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens.
“You’re just wanting to get your home back to a normal state… and in the midst of this, you’re trusting someone who is actually taking advantage of you,” Deddens added.
Court records show Schwab deposited multiple forged checks totaling more than $180,000.
“The unfortunate reality is it becomes extremely difficult to get it back,” said Deddens. “But our priority is to make the victims whole.”
Authorities believe there may be more victims and urge anyone affected to contact the Indiana State Police.
