Florence Contractor Charged with Fraud and Forgery

News Summary

Robert Michael Boyce, a contractor from Florence, SC, faces multiple charges including forgery and obtaining goods under false pretenses after failing to complete significant renovation contracts. Allegations detail how he collected large upfront payments but left homes unfinished, leading to complaints from frustrated homeowners. As the investigation unfolds, the community is left to wonder about the implications for future contracting work in the area.

Florence Contractor Faces a Storm of Charges for Fraud and Forgery

Residents of Florence are reeling from the recent news surrounding local contractor Robert Michael Boyce, 71, who now finds himself on the wrong side of the law. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has charged him with an array of serious offenses, including forgery and five counts of obtaining goods under false pretenses.

Unfinished Business and Large Sums of Money

According to reports, Boyce entered into a contract to carry out renovations on a house in Florence, receiving a staggering $146,746.99 in advance payments. However, the year passed and the work remained unfinished, leaving the homeowner in the lurch. Another individual claimed that Boyce presented himself as an experienced contractor with over 50 years under his belt but ended up walking away with more than $72,000 without completing over $40,000 worth of renovations.

Forged Documents and Unordered Windows

But the scandal doesn’t stop there. Reports have surfaced indicating that Boyce forged a contract using someone else’s contractor’s license number without their consent, snagging an additional $15,525 for new windows that, you guessed it, were never actually ordered. Thankfully, the customer was able to reclaim the funds for those windows through a dispute with the bank, but it hardly compensated for the distress caused.

A Pattern of Deception

In a different case in Olanta, Boyce faced allegations of failing to complete yet another renovation job. As a contractor who has been reportedly in the field for nearly 50 years, one would expect a degree of professionalism. Instead, Boyce found himself embroiled in complaints from multiple homeowners, who voiced concerns over excessive charges and incompetently performed work.

Documents revealed that Boyce made “draws” from payments for various contracts without delivering on the corresponding work. This has left many wondering how this individual managed to operate without effective oversight.

The Fallout and Legal Consequences

Now out on a $60,000 bond, Boyce’s troubles are far from over. His contractor license was revoked way back in 2003, and he has a history of violations for conducting business without a valid license. One of the frustrated homeowners, Dr. Yaroslav Yatsky, initially thought he was hiring a reputable contractor, describing Boyce as pleasant and trustworthy at their first meetings. However, as issues piled up regarding overcharges and inadequate work, Yatsky sought a refund of approximately $40,000.

After reaching out directly to Boyce in an attempt to resolve the problem, Yatsky ultimately turned to authorities when the situation remained unresolved. Following 1.5 years of waiting, SLED finally launched an investigation, leading to Boyce’s arrest.

Civil Suit on the Horizon

To add another layer to this unfolding saga, a civil lawsuit has already been filed against Boyce by Yatsky, accusing him of constructive fraud and numerous breaches of contract and warranty. While Boyce acknowledges that he has made his share of mistakes, he insists that he believes everything will “work out in the end.” He cites personal health issues, including a stroke, as contributing factors to his troubles.

The Community Reacts

As more details come to light, residents of Florence watch closely, wondering how this case will be resolved and what it means for future contracting work in the area. For now, though, the community is left grappling with the fallout of Boyce’s alleged fraudulent practices, reminding everyone to do their homework before choosing a contractor.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Florence Man Faces Charges for Home Renovation Fraud

Additional Resources

• WPDE: Florence Contractor Arrested
• Reuters: Porch Sues Over Fraud Losses
• WMBF News: Florence Man Sentenced
• Canon City Daily Record: Fraud Case Overview
• Wikipedia: Contractor Fraud