Published: August 27, 2008 12:00 am            

OKC man faces home repair fraud charges

The attorney general's office filed two counts of home repair fraud against an Oklahoma City man Wednesday, for allegedly taking $33,800 from two consumers for remodeling projects he did not complete.

Alan B. Holcombe, 51, was charged in Cleveland County District Court after an investigation by the attorney general's Consumer Protection Unit, which has statewide jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violations of the state's Consumer Protection Act. ?

Additionally, the attorney general's office filed a motion to accelerate judgment and sentencing against Holcombe, in Oklahoma County, for failing to meet the terms of his probation.

On Sept. 27, 2007, Holcombe pleaded guilty to four counts of home repair fraud and was ordered to pay $29,200 in restitution and serve a three-year deferred sentence.

"Alan Holcombe stopped making restitution payments in March," Attorney General Drew Edmondson said. "He has had ample time to repay the consumers he bilked, but he has failed to do so. We are asking the court to revoke his probation."

Concerning the charges in Cleveland County, Edmondson said his office had been working with Holcombe to recover $33,800 taken from two consumers, but Holcombe is "no longer making good on his promise to make restitution," Edmondson said.

"He has been given every opportunity to right his misdeeds. Perhaps jail will help him see the error of his ways," Edmondson said.

Anyone with information regarding suspected fraud or scams can call the attorney general's consumer protection hotline at 521-2029.

        

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