HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced late Wednesday that a federal grand jury indicted James Robert Black (a/k/a “Jim Gribble” and “Victor Valentine”) and Tyler Maurice Harris for their scheme to defraud an elderly Holland homeowner out of nearly $300,000.
Harris was taken into custody and appeared today before federal Magistrate Judge Ellen Carmody.
Black remains at large — anyone with information about Black/Gribble/Valentine is asked to contact police or Silent Observer.
Black, 55, and Harris, 24, are charged together in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Harris also faces a separate charge of welfare fraud. The conspiracy charge carries a possible prison term of 20 years. The welfare fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years.
The indictment alleges that Black and Harris defrauded an elderly Holland homeowner of $298,000 through a fraudulent home repair scheme. The homeowner hired Black, who went by the name “Jim Gribble” to do a roof repair. After that, the defendants persuaded the homeowner to pay almost $300,000 for a series of false problems associated with the project, including dangerous working conditions, employee injuries, lawsuits and tax issues.
The investigation continues into Black and Harris’ activities.
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. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is handling this investigation; Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey is handling the prosecution.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
