13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Roofer accused of insurance fraud

Roofer accused of insurance fraud

Kevin Rader/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - A southside Indianapolis roofer accused of insurance fraud is maintaining his innocence.

One year ago when every other home in central Indiana seemed to need some roofing work of some kind, Edwin Holmes was making hay while the sun shined. He was even featured in an Eyewitness News report on roofers when he told us he'd seen it all in his 14 years in the business.

"He was touted as an expert so here's a guy who was able to essentially fool everyone with this credibility act," said Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi.

That story is still featured on his Edwin Holmes Roofing website, but in a probable cause affidavit obtained by Eyewitness News, an unnamed citizen alleges Holmes had two copies of paperwork. One copy is what his employee fills out. A second form is created which shows an inflated estimate.

When contacted Wednesday about the ongoing investigation Holmes declined an on camera interview, deferring instead to his attorney.

"Edward Holmes has committed no fraud, no forgery," said John Kitley, Jr., Holmes' attorney.

But he is charged with two counts of forgery, two counts of insurance fraud and two counts of theft.

"It's obviously something that has caught me by surprise and something I think is without merit. Without any merit at all as a matter of fact," said Kitley.

As a licensed contractor as well as roofer, Kitley says it is not uncommon to have multiple bills. According to the affidavit, investigators confiscated laptop computers, bank statements and some invoices with interesting yellow post it notes saying "do not show to the insurance company and do not share with the homeowner."

"I am surprised they have filed it based on such weak probable cause affidavit," said Kitley.

"He essentially took advantage of a natural occurrence like that hailstorm to make tens of thousands of dollars he was not entitled to," said Brizzi.

Prosecutor Brizzi says if convicted, Holmes faces up to eight years in prison.

The source referred to in the affidavit also alleges Holmes told insurance companies that he was using subcontractors, allowing him to charge an extra 20% for overhead and profit.

The two insurance companies alleged to be defrauded in this case are Nationwide and American Family.