Sheriff: Traffic stop leads to man wanted on outstanding warrants | Crime

Richland County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man they say is being charged with five counts of obtaining property under false pretenses and breach of trust.

The report said 46-year-old Mark Dennis Anderson was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 4, during a traffic stop in Anderson County.

Deputies say a records check revealed Anderson was wanted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department on outstanding warrants – Anderson was detained and transported to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that Anderson has continued to defraud innocent victims -- Anderson would advise the victims to file an insurance claim on damages to their homes and once the check arrived he would go pick it up from the victim never to be seen again.

Sheriff Leon Lott states that Anderson has been arrested for the following incidents:

• Tuesday, April 7, 2011 – Shelby Drive, where Anderson met with the victim. Anderson agreed to repair the roof and received $1, 495.02 – Anderson never returned and no work was ever done.

• Sunday, May 15, 2011 – Todd Branch Road the victim gave Anderson an insurance check for repairs -- no work was ever started.

• Monday, May 16, 2011 – Woodale Circle, the victim paid Anderson $2, 032.14 to work on his roof -- no work was ever started.

• Tuesday, June 21, 2011 – Brokestone Road, the victim paid Anderson $1, 282.58 to work on his roof -- no work was ever started.

• Tuesday, September 27, 2011 – Blythewood Road, the victim paid Anderson $1, 750.00 to work on his roof -- no work was ever started.

• Friday, September 23, 2011 – Woodale Circle, the victim paid Anderson $2, 505.00 to work on his roof -- no work was ever started.

• Tuesday, December 6, 2011 – Todd Branch Drive, the victim paid Anderson $1, 447.08 to work on his roof -- no work was ever started.

Sheriff Leon Lott states that Anderson was using the name South Fork Roofing and Restoration and that he needed the money, upfront for supplies and materials, and then disappeared.

The Sheriff is asking for anyone feels they may have been scammed by Anderson to please contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 803-576-3063.

Sheriff Leon Lott offers these tips on how to avoid being scammed when seeking assistance on home repairs:

• Meet with the person who will be completing the work
• Ask for a free estimate
• Make sure the roofer actually gets up on your roof and inspects the damage themselves to give you a proper estimate
• Ask for referrals and contact them
• Check their credentials as well as checking with The Better Business Bureau, Labor Licensing and Regulation, and the South Carolina Secretary of State’ office
• Make sure they are licensed.
• If payment is required upfront only provide a small portion until the job is complete

Anderson was arrested and transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.