FAST FACTS:
( Memphis, 8/19/2010) WREG On Your Side Investigators have confirmed that the US Secret Service has joined the investigation into American Shingle.
Late today, Rick Harlow, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis office said agents are partnering with Memphis Police as they investigate potential financial crimes committed here in the Mid South.
American Shingle is now the focus of investigations in several states including Tennessee, after the company closed its doors suddenly last week leaving hundreds of customers wondering if they'll ever get the roofs they paid for.
Also today, for the first time since the company closed, some customers are hearing from American Shingle.
A letter is being sent to customers.
In it the company claims it's been forced to shut its doors due to what it calls "significant financial hardship."
As we first told you last night, American Shingle's CEO claims the company is $2 million in the hole.
Carlton Dunko admitted money from new contracts was being used to pay off outstanding bills.
"When we have to push that customer we have to give them a new install date, they start to cancel," claimed Dunko. "It's a spiral of death from there."
The letter makes no promises customers will see a dime.
It only says any monies collected will be used to refund creditors and that could include homeowners whose roofs haven't been installed.
All this comes as we're learning much more about American Shingle's CEO.
WREG On Your Side Investigators found Carlton DeWayne Dunko listed as an officer in at least seven other companies registered in Georgia and Florida.
One of them, a business consulting company named Biz Pros has an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Another Dunko company, Business Solutions Unlimited, is the subject of a breach of contract lawsuit in Tampa.
The company suing Dunko declared bankruptcy last year.
We tried calling Dunko today, to ask him about the lawsuit, and to find out why American Shingle kept taking money from customers, even though Dunko knew his company was falling apart.
Apparently we're not the only trying to get ahold of him.
Dunko's voicemail was full and wasn't taking any new messages.
If you think you've lost money to American Shingle, you can file a report with the Memphis Police Department's Economic Crimes Bureau at (901) 636-3350.
- Secret Service joins American Shingle investigation
- Company CEO is listed as an officer with at least seven other companies
- Customers begin receiving letters telling them of the closing
( Memphis, 8/19/2010) WREG On Your Side Investigators have confirmed that the US Secret Service has joined the investigation into American Shingle.
Late today, Rick Harlow, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis office said agents are partnering with Memphis Police as they investigate potential financial crimes committed here in the Mid South.
American Shingle is now the focus of investigations in several states including Tennessee, after the company closed its doors suddenly last week leaving hundreds of customers wondering if they'll ever get the roofs they paid for.
Also today, for the first time since the company closed, some customers are hearing from American Shingle.
A letter is being sent to customers.
In it the company claims it's been forced to shut its doors due to what it calls "significant financial hardship."
As we first told you last night, American Shingle's CEO claims the company is $2 million in the hole.
Carlton Dunko admitted money from new contracts was being used to pay off outstanding bills.
"When we have to push that customer we have to give them a new install date, they start to cancel," claimed Dunko. "It's a spiral of death from there."
The letter makes no promises customers will see a dime.
It only says any monies collected will be used to refund creditors and that could include homeowners whose roofs haven't been installed.
All this comes as we're learning much more about American Shingle's CEO.
WREG On Your Side Investigators found Carlton DeWayne Dunko listed as an officer in at least seven other companies registered in Georgia and Florida.
One of them, a business consulting company named Biz Pros has an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Another Dunko company, Business Solutions Unlimited, is the subject of a breach of contract lawsuit in Tampa.
The company suing Dunko declared bankruptcy last year.
We tried calling Dunko today, to ask him about the lawsuit, and to find out why American Shingle kept taking money from customers, even though Dunko knew his company was falling apart.
Apparently we're not the only trying to get ahold of him.
Dunko's voicemail was full and wasn't taking any new messages.
If you think you've lost money to American Shingle, you can file a report with the Memphis Police Department's Economic Crimes Bureau at (901) 636-3350.
