The Mobile City Council heard from concerned citizens who claim they were victims of fraud by two local businesses.
Window Depot USA of Mobile and All Weather Roofing and Construction LLC are accused of taking money from clients they never serviced.
The council held a public hearing on the matter Tuesday.
Combat veteran Eric Nelson addressed the council, saying he never imagined retiring in Mobile just to fight fraud. He asked the city to revoke the business’s license. He also asked for local consumer protection laws.
“There should be swift and stiff penalties for owners and employees who engage in this level of fraud,” Nelson said.
Citizens have previously come forward with concerns and have created a Facebook page to share stories. There are an estimated 108 victims, according to city officials. The estimated monetary value of potential fraud exceeds $1 million.
Katie Morrison represented over 100 victims in addressing the council. She told her own story and shared other stories, including that of a 91-year-old widow.
"These are people who spent years saving their money only to see it disappear," Morrison said. "This is not simply a collection of unhappy customers. This has affected more than 100 Mobile families who have taken the time to file police reports."
The Mobile Police Department is investigating dozens of cases, but no charges have been filed.
According to business records, both companies are owned by the same person and have the same address. Both are listed as “permanently closed” online. All Weather Roofing and Construction LLC has a current business license with Mobile, but Window Depot USA of Mobile does not. City officials said the companies operate in other counties across the state.
1819 News was unable to reach a representative from either company. No one spoke at Tuesday’s public hearing on behalf of the companies. The national franchise has not been accused of wrongdoing.
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