Update #1, 08/14/2017: Richard “Scott” King has been arrested. 

On Saturday, August 12 around 1pm, a woman told officers that Scott was following her around the Walmart at 3795 Buford Drive asking her for money.  The suspect left the store prior to police arrival.  Officers assigned to the North Precinct viewed the surveillance footage at the store and were able to get a clothing description and vehicle description for Scott. 

The last time Scott was arrested, he listed his residence as a home on Elm Tree Terrace in Buford.  A nearby officer responded to the area and located Scott driving the same vehicle from the surveillance footage at Elm Tree Drive and Elm Tree Terrace.  The officer conducted a traffic stop and arrested Scott without incident. 

R. Scott King was transported to the Gwinnett County Jail and booked in at 3:09pm.  (Please contact the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office for booking information and photos.)

Previously un-reported victims are still encouraged to call GCPD to report their involvement with Scott King. 

Original, 08/11/2017: (Lawrenceville, Georgia)  A man previously arrested for a roof repair scam is now facing a new set of charges.  Richard “Scott” King was arrested on July 5, 2016 for Theft by Deception, Exploitation of Disabled Adult or Elder Person, and Deposit Account Fraud.  He now faces an additional 5 warrants for Theft by Deception and 1 warrant for Exploitation of a Disabled Adult or Elder Person.  His current whereabouts are unknown. 

The lead investigator assigned to both series of crimes found that in 2016, Scott was responsible for multiple crimes in which he tricked homeowners into giving him upfront down payments for roof repairs he promised to do.  After those homeowners gave the money to Scott, he refused further contact and denied issuing refunds.  Some homeowners even resorted to making homemade road signs alerting unsuspecting neighbors that Scott was a “fraud” and a “thief.”  He was ultimately released on bond on July 27, 2016. 

On July 31, 2017 (more than a year later), the same lead investigator was contacted by a Gwinnett County Assistant District Attorney who alerted him to several new victims who gave money to Scott for bogus roof repairs.  These new crimes took place during 2017.

After speaking with the new victims, all of them identified Scott as the person who they spoke with gave their money to.  After the money was exchanged, Scott refused further contact.  He did not repair any roofs, and he refused to issue refunds.  At this time we believe that there may be additional victims in this scam.  If you believe you were possibly scammed by Scott King, please contact the Gwinnett County Police as soon as possible.

Residents are encouraged to get recommendations from their family, friends, and neighbors for repair work that needs to be done to their homes.  Check with the Better Business Bureau for more information on potential contractors.