Niagara contractor guilty of fraud to be sentenced in June

Police began probe in fall 2020 after receiving complaints about Dan Gehres’ company

After handing over the cash in early March 2020 to have new windows installed at her home, the Niagara woman wasn’t surprised when her contractor said there would be a delay in the job.

The country essentially shut down on March 17 that year due to the global pandemic.

“It sounded reasonable at the time,” the woman said in Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines, Thursday.

What followed, however, was months and months of delays and excuses from contractor Dan Gehres.

“He preyed on my compassion,” the woman told court.

Her compassion was soon replaced by suspicion and she began scouring the internet looking for information on Gehres.

Turns out her 67-year-old contractor had accepted thousands of dollars in cash for jobs that were never actually completed.

Gehres was appearing in court for sentencing on a charge of fraud over $5,000.

The victim, who read her statement in court, said the defendant “preys on leveraging sympathy from his victims.”

“He did not fall victim to financial struggles over COVID,” she told Judge Donald Wolfe.

“He is a calculating man who intentionally defrauded many people and businesses over the years.”

Court was told nine victims were swindled out of $90,000 between 2018 and 2020.

One victim alone lost more than $34,000.

Another client, a 99-year-old woman, lost $18,000.

Court was told the defendant has repaid the money to the elderly woman, and his lawyer has $15,000 in trust to be dispersed to other victims.

The judge adjourned sentencing until June in order to give Gehres an opportunity to come up with additional restitution.

“He is hoping to sell his home and pay off the debt in totality,” said defence lawyer John Lefurgey.

The Niagara Regional Police central fraud unit launched an investigation in fall 2020 after receiving several complaints involving Gehres Windows and Doors in St. Catharines.

The police investigation determined the defendant had accepted payments for multiple window and door installations across Niagara. The work was never completed and the money was never returned.

‘‘ He is a calculating man who intentionally defrauded many people and businesses over the years.

VICTIM’S STATEMENT READ IN COURT