DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — Douglas County detectives seized dozens of computers and reams of paperwork from a roofing contractor whose questionable practices were first exposed by Channel 2 Action News.
Authorities said the work by Channel 2 Action News consumer investigator Jim Strickland prompted alleged victims of Georgia Roofing and Construction to come forward, which triggered the late-night raid Tuesday.
The Douglas County Major Crimes Unit descended on the business just before sunset. It took officials eight hours to haul off boxes of paperwork, customer files and a cache of computers.
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Sgt. John Sweat displayed a trailer nearly filled to the brim with evidence.
"Confidence is high. We'll do a thorough investigation and when we're finished, those responsible for these criminal acts will be brought to justice," said Sweat.
Detectives still hadn't seen the lists of customers who paid thousands in insurance money in advance. Whistleblower Megan Gliha had to call each one with notification their roofs would have to wait.
"The day I got laid off, I went into the computer and there were 600 roofs that had not been put on," Gliha said.
Investigators said Channel 2 Action News interviews with victims helped build the case, but Sweat said co-owner Shone Humphries' own bankruptcy filing is some of the most damning evidence. It showed the thousands he and his partners paid themselves.
"Wow, that's just selfish and greedy," said Sweat.
Gliha said up to 50 employees got worthless final paychecks. "Nobody can cash their checks. They went to the bank and funds weren't available," she said.
Detectives said they have no timetable as to when they'll issue arrest warrants in the case.