Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced the arrest of Mark Dennis Anderson (DOB: 04/22/66) charged with five counts of obtaining property under false pretenses and breach of trust.

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that Anderson was arrested on Thursday morning when he showed up for bond court, September 22, 2011. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that while out on bond in connection with similar charges, Anderson continued to defraud innocent victims.

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

· Monday, December 6, 2010 - Woodbury Drive, where they met with the victim, Anderson agreed to repair her roof and he received the money but no work was ever done.

· Tuesday, December 7, 2010 - Woodbury Drive the victim gave Anderson money to repair her roof and said he would have it complete in a week, no work was ever started.

· Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - Emerald Valley Road, the victim paid Anderson to work on his roof but no work was ever started.

· Tuesday, March 22, 2011 – The victim came to Richland County Headquarters to file a complaint against Anderson after paying him for roofing work which was never done on Winterpark Drive.

· Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - Colony Drive, the victim stated that she gave Anderson money to fix her roof – the repairs were never completed.

· Sunday, July 10, 2011 - Parliament Drive, the victim stated that Anderson had agreed to repair her roof where she gave him the money but no work was ever done.

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. If you feel you have been scammed by Anderson please contact the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

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.

Sheriff Leon Lott states that Anderson was arrested and transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.