George Garven, Fraud and Money Laundering, North Carolina 2015

Grimy Times has obtained records that show the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina (USAO-EDNC) collected over $18 million in civil and criminal actions in Fiscal Year 2023. However, the most notable case involves George Garven, William Davis, and Robert Helms, who were involved in a fraudulent contract billing scheme that targeted Baker Roofing Company (BRC).

Garven, who was the Vice President and General Manager of BRC’s Charlotte, North Carolina branch office, collaborated with Helms and Davis to embezzle funds from the company. The scheme involved generating fake invoices and subcontracts in R&K’s name, which was a business controlled by Davis. The funds were then funneled into business bank accounts controlled by Helms and Davis, before being disbursed to Garven in various forms, including gift cards and checks.

The scheme, which took place between 2015 and 2020, resulted in the embezzlement of over $1.8 million from BRC. However, the US Attorney’s Office was able to collect the full restitution amount from the defendants.

The successful collection efforts also included the collection of substantial funds from joint and several co-defendants, who were involved in the scheme. The total amount collected in criminal and civil actions was $18,157,710.06, with $11,126,086.93 collected in criminal actions and $7,031,623.13 collected in civil actions.

In addition to the collection of funds from the defendants, the US Attorney’s Office also worked with other offices to collect an additional $72,909.66 in cases pursued jointly. The amount was collected in criminal actions.

U.S. Attorney Michael Easley praised the efforts of his office, stating that they are committed to using every tool available to aggressively collect restitution for victims, criminal fines, and recover taxpayer dollars lost to fraud and owed to government agencies.

Baker Roofing Company was awarded a criminal restitution judgment of $1,850,442.00 as a result of the scheme. The company had hired Garven in 2011 to serve as the Vice President and General Manager of its Charlotte, North Carolina branch office. However, Garven’s actions ultimately led to the embezzlement of funds from the company.

The case is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in preventing and detecting fraud. It also highlights the commitment of the US Attorney’s Office to ensuring that those who engage in such activities are held accountable.

Grimy Times will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

The following are the mandatory facts for this case:

• Defendant: George Garven

• Crime: Fraud and Money Laundering

• City and State: Charlotte, North Carolina

• Exact Date: 2015

• Sentence or Outcome: The US Attorney’s Office was able to collect the full restitution amount of $1,850,442.00 from the defendants.

• Dollar Amounts: $1,850,442.00

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