Garry Dobson, a home improvement contractor from Jim Thorpe, was charged by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) of the Monroe County Office of the District Attorney after he took a $45,000 down payment from a Paradise Township couple to remodel their home but failed to complete the work.

Ralph and Jacqueline Johnson reported to Detective Thomas McMahon that they had hired Dobson in June 2022 to construct an addition on their home.  The project was estimated to cost $90,000 and the Johnsons gave Dobson a 50% deposit for the project.

Over the following several months, there was no progress on the addition despite the Johnsons repeatedly inquiring of Dobson when he intended to begin the remodel.  Eventually the Johnsons demanded their money back and Dobson refused.

Investigation revealed that Dobson had spent the $45,000 on unrelated purchases.  When interviewed by detectives, Dobson admitted that he didn’t use the Johnsons’ $45,000 to purchase materials or conduct work for the Johnsons as agreed.

On Wednesday, May 15, Dobson was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Phillip Riley on charges of home improvement fraud and deceptive business practices, both felonies of the second degree, and several theft offenses, all felonies of the third degree.

Dobson was released on $50,000 unsecured bail.  His preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 30, 2024.