GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) – A contractor, 59-year-old Robert Earl Gill, was arraigned this week on seven charges related to fraudulent activities targeting clients in Genesee County. Known as “Ripoff Rob,” Gill allegedly scammed multiple customers over the past year by taking money for home improvement projects and failing to complete the work.
Gill, who had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest, was apprehended in Mt. Morris Township during a traffic stop. The charges against him include six counts of false pretenses ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 and one count of false pretenses between $200 and $1,000.
The charges stem from four separate cases, with investigations conducted by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Morris Township, and Flint Township. Authorities say Gill solicited various home improvement projects, such as driveway repairs and roofing work, from victims, mostly senior citizens. However, he allegedly took payments without returning to finish the projects.
Several victims have come forward to report the fraudulent activities. Carolyn Mayo, one of Gill’s alleged victims, claims she paid $1,200 for roofing work that was never completed. HomeZone Improvements later stepped in to finish the job at no additional cost. Leon Martin reported that he paid $650 for a driveway repair that was never done and also loaned Gill money for equipment. Ernestine Todd gave Gill $300, agreeing to pay an additional $800 upon job completion, but she never heard from him again.
Gill’s criminal history includes serving time for offenses such as home invasion and uttering and publishing, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Currently held in the Genesee County Jail, Gill is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 19, 2025, for all four cases.