FBI agents seek man accused of bilking thousands from Ann Arbor and Pittsfield Township homeowners
FBI agents are joining the search for a man accused of duping homeowners in Pittsfield Township and Ann Arbor out of thousands of dollars several years ago, then complaining of chest pain in order to escape from custody.
Robert Lee Cooper, 45, was charged Thursday in a federal criminal complaint with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, federal court records show.
Robert Lee Cooper
“He would show up once or twice, enough to collect a payment and you would never see him again,” Pittsfield Township Deputy Police Chief Gordy Schick said.
Cooper is facing charges in those cases, including five counts each of false pretenses of more than $999 but less than $20,000 and larceny by conversion of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, county court records show.
In 2007, Cooper was arrested and taken to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital after complaining of chest pain. Pittsfield Township police said they were low on staffing and left Cooper at the hospital unattended, asking hospital staff to notify them if he was to be released. According to police, hospital staff never called and Cooper left in a taxi and has remained a fugitive.
Cooper also is facing charges for allegedly scamming homeowners in Florida.
Investigators say he has a history of feigning chest pain and other health problems in order to avoid doing work he promised. According to the federal complaint, Cooper's aliases include Robert McDonnell, Rob McDonnald, Robert Reeves, Bill Decker and Gary Shopp.
The FBI's involvement offers new hope to the victims that Cooper will be caught, Schick said.
“We would certainly like to bring closure to it."
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
David
Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.
The relatively simple act of asking to see the Building License and Certificate of Insurance from anyone who wants to do work on your home, would stop this type of activity.
Max Maximus
Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.
Yes-this is a good point. That is why this crook preyed upon the very vulnerable- like my mother, who is in her eighties. And her neighbor, who is of the same age and mindset. This guy finally disappeared- after I showed up and started asking questions. His "lunch break" turned into a permanent disappearance, as we never saw him again.
zip the cat
Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 11:16 a.m.
Anyone who gives a house repairman full or partial payment before the work is completed needs to lose it. 10% down is the max and any more,when you see the work being done. Anyone who asks for full or half payment before working,is a RED flag and you need to walk away. If it sounds to good to be true , it most likely is.
voter
Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Lets try again since they delete so much that does not voilate their guidelines even though zips comment attacks the victims and blames them. Eldery grew up believeing in trust as it should be. Can't blame the victim for people that prey on them. How bout this comparison Annarbor.com because you leave your door unlocked does not mean people have a right to break in and it your fault. Blame the criminal.
Max Maximus
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 7:37 p.m.
Is there a contact number for the FBI? This dirtbag scammed a large amount of money from my mother and even more from one of her neighbors. Who do I contact?
Rich Rezler
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
Michigan's FBI offices: FBI Detroit 26th. Floor, P. V. McNamara FOB 477 Michigan Avenue Detroit, MI 48226 detroit.fbi.gov (313) 965-2323
genetracy
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
Giving money to this guy is no differnet than giving it to a panhandler. Everything is based on lies.
ToddGack
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.
fje440 you have to remember when this incident happened it was when Director Harsberger was the Director of Public Safety. It was during the times of save all the money you can out of your budget and give it back to the Township general fund. So your tax dollars back then provided the citizens of Pittsfield Township with lower quality police service to save money even though there was enough money in the Public Safety Budget. Instead of guarding a guy at the hospital who bilked citizens out of their hard earned money, the supervisors at the time were worried about making sure the arrest at the hospital did not cause any overtime. Again, there was money in the budget to support this overtime. Instead of doing the job correctly and guarding the subject, they allowed him to go free. Now my federal tax dollars are at work to help apprehend this person who should have been held in jail till his preliminary exam at the least. He then repeats the same criminal behavior in Florida. You should be grateful that you do have new supervision of the police department as they make better use of your tax dollars and provide quality police service now.
voter
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
This failure fell under Director Phillips.
Stylery
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.
@Todd: I think you meant to say it was when Harshberger was "not" the director. He was in Ypsi then.
ffej440
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.
" Pittsfield Township police said they were low on staffing and left Cooper at the hospital unattended" That was in 2007, This week we all saw a video of Pittsfield police involved in a Misdemeanor assault that had THREE police cars involved and enough badges to arrest a small army. Yet we are asked again to vote for more funding. Prehaps better use of staff is what is needed.Not more money.
RJA
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:36 p.m.
Thanks for the FBI's involvement. Even the great picture (should offer help in finding this guy). I see the left ear sticks out a little more than the right. Being a handyman, he might be handy at changing his looks too. No mustach, full beard, hair color ect. Amost looks like he has earrings on, maybe not. (the holes will remain if not wearing earrings. Good Luck in your search.