John O'Brien was sentenced to 56 months in prison for defrauding over 100 homeowners in New England out of more than $1.5 million, according to multiple reports. O'Brien used scare tactics and a charming demeanor to convince victims their homes needed repairs, sometimes causing damage himself, major media reported. Senator Eileen Flynn, a cousin of O'Brien, wrote a character reference for him and said she does not regret it, according to Daily Mail - News.
In other cases, builder Steve Figg was ordered to pay £85,000 compensation after admitting 22 breaches of building regulations at the Davies' home, according to major media. Figg reported the Davies to police for harassment, leading to their arrest and 22 hours in custody before release with an apology, major media reported. Richard Williams was jailed for 32 months for defrauding 16 clients of over £75,000 for roofing work that was never completed, major media reported. John Collins received a suspended prison sentence for swindling homeowners out of more than £10,000 through sham roofing and landscaping services, major media reported. Arthur Dolan Sr and Arthur Dolan Jr received suspended six-month sentences for fraudulent roofing work in Bristol and south Gloucestershire, according to major media.
I babysat John. I sometimes walked into school, and everything else that went with what it’s like living on site, with John. He’s a first cousin. He went to America with good intentions. I wrote this letter a year ago, last April. I didn’t know the extent of the crime. However I didn’t focus on the crime. I focused on the young man that I knew and I did give him a letter in support of his character, and it’s just really unfortunate that John ended up in the situation that he’s in.
I didn’t know the extent of the crime. To be honest, it’s only what I’m reading. And to be fair, you know, I didn’t know John as made out to be all over the media. I knew the young man that I used to babysit, the young man I brought to school, the young man who went to Mass, the young man who went for a better life. It was a letter to support him. It wasn’t a letter to support the crime.