Roofing contractor accused of scamming couple

A contractor is accused of taking $5,320 to repair a roof and disappearing with the money.

Jeremy Block, owner of Droptine Construction of Great Falls, is charged with one count of felony theft.

According to court documents, a Havre resident hired Block in August to put a new roof on one house and another on a condominium she owned. She gave Block a check for $5,000 to cover the costs of supplies. Block cashed the check that same day, the file states.

A couple of weeks later, the document says, Block was given an additional $320 that was supposed to cover permit costs and two roofing shovels.

The husband of the alleged victim called Block the next day to discuss insurance and Block's contractor license. The document says that Block, who had not started working on the roof, said he would do the work himself and that insurance would not be a problem. He refused to answer questions about his contractor's license or obtaining insurance. At this point, Block was asked to return the $5,000 he received.

The document goes on to say that the couple was never able to get in contact with Block again, despite calling him several times during September and October. The couple did not receive any money back.

An arrest warrant was issued for Block Nov. 19 but has not been returned. He also had his public defender rescinded Dec. 10.

Block is scheduled to appear in District Court and plead guilty or not guilty Monday morning at 9.