Florence Man Faces Charges for Home Renovation Fraud

News Summary

A 71-year-old man in Florence, S.C. named Robert Michael Boyce has been arrested for multiple charges of forgery and fraud related to home renovations. Investigations revealed he allegedly scammed homeowners out of significant sums, collecting money for incomplete projects and forging contracts. Victims have expressed their shock and frustration at the deceptive practices, prompting the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to investigate. As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder for homeowners to thoroughly vet contractors before hiring.

Florence Man in Hot Water for Home Renovation Shenanigans

Florence, S.C. – In a tale that has many locals shaking their heads, a 71-year-old man named Robert Michael Boyce has recently found himself in a heap of trouble due to multiple allegations of forgery and fraud related to home renovations. This unsavory saga began back in late 2021 and has continued to unfold into early 2023, drawing in several unsuspecting homeowners who were left high and dry after paying for work that never materialized.

Arrest and Charges

On February 14, 2025, Boyce was arrested and subsequently booked into the Florence County Detention Center. After a few hours behind bars, he was released on a hefty $60,000 bond. The charges against him are quite serious, including forgery and five counts of obtaining goods under false pretenses, with the amounts involved exceeding $5,000. It’s a chilling reminder for residents to be cautious when hiring contractors.

The Tale of Contracts and Missing Work

Boyce’s troubles seem to stem from a series of unfortunate decisions involving contracts he signed. One significant incident had him signing an agreement for renovations to a local home and then walking away with a whopping $146,746.99. Despite pocketing this impressive sum, he never completed the renovations. Homeowners expecting a beautifully remodeled space were instead left staring at unfinished projects and crumbling hopes.

Another victim in this saga handed over more than $72,000 to Boyce, believing his claim of having over 50 years of contracting experience. Unfortunately, they found out that more than $40,000 worth of work was still lingering, unfinished, and unpaid. Imagine parting with a hefty sum like that, only to find your dream renovations sitting stagnant!

Forged Contracts and Deceptive Practices

But that’s not all! In an even more shocking twist, Boyce allegedly forged a contract using another contractor’s license number without their permission. That’s not just wrong; it’s downright illegal. As if that weren’t enough, he stood accused of failing to order new windows after collecting $15,525 for them! Fortunately for one of his victims, they managed to reclaim their funds through a successful bank dispute. But what about everyone else?

Victims Speak Out

Several individuals, including a long-time acquaintance of Boyce’s, fell prey to his deceptive practices, thinking they were dealing with a legitimate contractor. As they handed over their hard-earned money, they were promised professional work, only to be met with broken promises and incomplete renovations. The shock of these betrayals has left many wondering how someone could lead them astray so easily.

Next Steps and Investigation

The wheel of justice is starting to turn for Boyce, as his case will be prosecuted by the 12th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Meanwhile, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been diligently investigating this string of fraud cases, hoping to bring closure to the victims who’ve experienced such turmoil.

A Cautionary Tale

As this story develops, it serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering home renovations. Always do your research, ask for references, and check contractor licenses to avoid situations like this one. It’s essential to ensure that the person you hire to transform your living space is trustworthy and reliable.

So, while Robert Michael Boyce awaits his day in court, many in Florence are left to ponder the importance of vigilance when trusting someone with their home and finances. Let this be a lesson learned — always keep your guard up!

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Additional Resources

• WMBF News: Florence County Man Misled Homeowners
• WBTW News: Florence County Man Jailed After Construction Issues
• KEZI: City of Florence Scammed by Fake Contractor
• Google Search: Home Renovation Scams
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud