By Ann Marie Shambaugh
Two former homebuilders have been arrested after a three-year investigation revealed that they allegedly took more than $1.2 million from customers and subcontractors.
Gary Ogle, 69, and Robert Fersch, 68, co-owners of BiltRite Homes LLC in Whitestown, have been charged with several felonies in Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks and Marion Counties. The two men allegedly “conducted fraudulent business deals including theft, corrupt business influence, perjury and forgery,” according to the Indiana State Police, the lead investigating agency.
BiltRite Homes filed for bankruptcy in 2013. ISP began investigating after receiving complaints that the company took money from its customers to pay off debts of previously built homes.
“Eventually the two men were no longer able to pay their debts resulting in several property liens being placed on completed homes,” stated an ISP press release. “In some cases BiltRite Homes would take down payments, or a first draw on victims’ construction loans, and not take any action toward building a home for them.”
Police said 11 victims in Boone County and one in Clinton County are also planning to seek criminal charges against BiltRite.
The investigation is ongoing.
