James Black, Wire Fraud and Welfare Fraud, Michigan 2024

Two men from Allegan County, Michigan, have been indicted for their roles in a scheme to defraud an elderly Holland homeowner out of nearly $300,000.

According to the indictment, James Robert Black, 55, and Tyler Maurice Harris, 24, conspired to commit wire fraud and persuaded the homeowner to pay $298,000 for a series of false problems associated with a home repair project.

The indictment alleges that Black, who went by the name “Jim Gribble,” was hired to do a roof repair, but the defendants then convinced the homeowner to pay almost $300,000 for fictional issues such as dangerous working conditions, employee injuries, lawsuits, and tax issues.

Harris was taken into custody and appeared before federal Magistrate Judge Ellen Carmody. Black’s whereabouts remain unknown.

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation into the activities of Black and Harris is ongoing. Anyone who believes they have dealt with either man and are the victim of fraud should call Homeland Security Investigations at 616-235-3936 or the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 616-808-2034. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Black should call Homeland Security Investigations at 616-235-3936.

The possible prison term for the conspiracy charge is 20 years, and the maximum penalty for the welfare fraud charge is up to 10 years.

James Black, Defrauding an Elderly Homeowner, Michigan 2024

James Black, 55, and Tyler Maurice Harris, 24, have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and welfare fraud. The indictment alleges that they defrauded an elderly Holland homeowner out of nearly $300,000 through a fraudulent home repair scheme.

Harris is currently in custody, while Black’s whereabouts remain unknown. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone who believes they are a victim of fraud should contact Homeland Security Investigations or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2019_0814_Black_Harris