NORTH SMITHFIELD – A North Smithfield man who hired a contractor to help with damage to a flooded basement is fighting to get his $1,500 deposit back after learning the person he hired had no license, and no intent to return to complete the work.
Jaime Robar, 41, of Warwick, has been charged with obtaining money under false pretenses after allegedly accepting a check and presenting the license information of his former employer, who told police he was unaware of the situation.
According to the victim, Robar said he owned Cathedral Roofing and accepted the deposit via a $1,500 check made out to his girlfriend.
The victim first reported the incident to police in June after Robar never returned.
The actual owner of the business, Howard Courtemanche, told police he did not give Robar permission to use his business name or license number, and a warrant was issued.
Robar was picked up by Rhode Island State Police on Saturday, Sept. 12. He has a hearing scheduled in 3rd District court on Thursday, Oct. 29.
