Roofing contractor accused of fraud sees case head to trial

Kenneth Allen BirdKent County Jail

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, MI A well-known roofing contractor is facing charges that could bring as much as three years in prison if he's convicted.

Kenneth Allen Bird is accused of defrauding an East Grand Rapids couple of $6,125 for a roofing job he allegedly never completed. His companys motto was put the bird on your roof.

East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department detectives allege Bird took a downpayment of $6,125 to complete $12,250 worth of roofing work at the home of Christopher and Beth Chappus

The Chappus' check was cashed in June and Bird was supposed to start the work in July, but it never happened, according to a probable cause affidavit in court records.

Bird allegedly rescheduled the start date repeatedly before police became involved in October.

In a police interview Oct. 15, Bird allegedly admitted he had not returned the couple's money and had not started the project. The business is based on Chicago Drive SW in Wyoming.

Bird said he was unable to do the work because customers failed to pay him. He said he hoped to complete the work or refund the funds he received to avoid the criminal charges.

Related: Wyoming roofing contractor, subject of complaints since September, now charged criminally

However, Bird was in Kent County District Court Wednesday, Jan. 7 where he waived his probable cause hearing before Judge Jeffrey OHara, sending the case to Kent County Circuit Court.

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Roofing contractor accused of fraud sees case head to trial