Contractor accused of repair scamconvicted
A contractor DAYTON — accused of taking money from victims of the 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes for home repairs but then failing to do the work was convicted earlier this month.
Brandon Valandingham, 36, pleadednocontest toone count of theft andwas found guilty Sept. 2, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court records.
The Dayton Daily News revealed complaints against Valandingham and his company as part of the newspaper’s project walking the path of the EF4 tornado that hit the region on Memorial Day 2019 and investigating obstacles torecovery. Valandingham was arrested on charges in Miami County during the course of thenewspaper’s investigation.
He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 30 and is facing nine to 36 months in prison. He is also eligible for Community Control sanctions.
Valandingham, owner of Buckeye Storm Solutions, was initially indictedoneight counts of theft involving four victims.
He faced similar charges in MiamiCounty that involveda Piquahomedamaged before the tornadoes. Valandingham pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct andwas convicted. His 30-day sentence was suspended.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a civil suit against Valandingham and Buckeye Storm Solutions in January claiming he failed to completework he accepted more for and performed shoddy work.
“Defendants have refused to refund consumers’ deposits or payments despite consumers’ requests for refunds,” the complaint read. “After receiving payment, Defendantssometimes beganworkbut failed tocomplete the work.”
Valandingham’s civil trial is scheduled for Oct. 16.