A husband and wife accused of stealing from local customers in a home improvement scam have been indicted.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Brian Keith Watkins, 42, whose court listed address is the Corrections Reception Center in Orient, and his wife Clarice Watkins, 48, of Delaware.
WATKINS
Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips said that earlier this year Brian Watkins went to the home of a 77-year-old Plain City man. The pair had an agreement for Brian Watkins to build a pole barn for the man. The man paid Watkins $6,000 in advance.
“He never performed that work or ever even started it,” Phillips said.
Brian Watkins allegedly told the man he was going to do the building and repeatedly made excuses as to why he hadn’t yet. Phillips said the victim eventually spoke to a relative who was in law enforcement in a different county. That relative spoke with Brain Watkins who made arrangements to start the building then give the money back and neither happened, according to Phillips.
Eventually, the victim contacted the Union County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators began looking at the man’s background and conduct.
“He would use the internet to solicit for business,” Phillips said, noting that Brian Watkins would use social media sites as well as online help wanted and neighborhood platforms to advertise services.
“He would eventually get a bad reputation of essentially ripping off people and then he would just start another business,” Phillips said. The indictment lists at least six business names used between 2017 and 2020 including Tough Nickel Excavating LLC, Dig It Deep LLC, Iron Horse Excavating, Black River Farms and Contracting, Old No. 7 Ranch and Contracting and Bull Excavating.
Additionally, investigators learned Brian Watkins was facing charges in “multiple counties” for similar behavior.
According to court documents, Brian Watkins is facing charges not only in Union, but also in Madison, Delaware, Marion, Licking, Morrow, Hocking and Franklin counties.
Investigators contacted the Better Business Bureau and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Phillips said investigators learned Delaware County officials were attempting to close Brian Watkins’ businesses.
Phillips said a search warrant was executed at the man’s home in Delaware County. Business records were seized as part of the search. Phillips said the records indicated Clarice Watkins “was complicit.”
“She was not an active participant, but she knew and provided a place facilitating his behavior,” Phillips said.
Phillips said individual charges are lower level felonies and misdemeanors, but the business records and repeated behavior indicate this was a pattern of corrupt behavior.
If convicted on all counts, Brian Watkins could face more than 14 years in prison. Clarice Watkins could face as many as eight years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Additionally, prosecutors are asking to seize the 2018 Dodge truck Brian Watkins used as well as the Watkins home in Delaware.
Also indicted was:
– Jeffrey R. Ohara, 45, of 723 Walnut St., Marysville. Ohara is charged with one count of aggravated possession of drugs. According to court documents, on Aug. 1, Ohara was arrested with 6.85 grams of alleged methamphetamine. By comparison, 3.0 grams is considered a bulk amount of the drug. Because Ohara had more than twice a bulk amount, the charge was increased to a third-degree felony.
If convicted, Ohara could face as many as five years in prison.
– James A. Beswick, 38, of 18481 Allen Center Road, Marysville. Beswick is charged with one count of failure to verify address. Because of a 2011 conviction for gross sexual imposition in Marion County, Beswick is required to periodically register with the county sheriff. Additionally, he is required to notify the sheriff anytime he moves.
Court documents allege that between July and December, Beswick did not verify his address with authorities.
In 2016, Beswick was convicted of a similar offense. If convicted again, Beswick could face as many as 18 months in prison.