Bay Area Roofing Scammers Convicted

February 20, 2026
Source: https://www.marincounty.gov/news-releases/bay-area-roofing-scammers-convicted

Two men targeted elderly individuals to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Marin County, CA- Two men masquerading as licensed roofing contractors have been sentenced in Marin County Superior Court for their involvement in a fraud ring that has bilked Marin County victims out of more than $340,000.

John McNamara, 49, and Dean Morgan, 34, each were sentenced to 3 years and 8 months in prison after having pled guilty to multiple felony violations of grand theft by false pretenses for crimes committed in March 2024 against four separate victims ranging in age from 78 to 85 years old.

McNamara and Morgan, along with several other unidentified men, fraudulently held themselves out as employees of a fictious company named “Nashes Roofing & Construction,” purportedly based in San Francisco. Specifically targeting elderly persons, the men traveled throughout several Bay Area counties, Sacramento County, and the State of Colorado, fraudulently inducing victims to enter into roofing and construction contracts, often presenting the victims with realistic-looking business cards and invoices. The group also maintained a fictitious website.

In some instances, the men knocked on front doors unprompted, claiming that the victim’s roof needed urgent repairs. The scammers then would secure excessively large downpayment deposits and in most cases disappear while having done little to no actual repair work.

Both McNamara and Morgan were convicted in Colorado in March 2025 for a similar roofing scam, and Morgan additionally was convicted in Sacramento County. Including the Colorado and Sacramento County cases, McNamara and Morgan each will be serving 9 years and 8 months in prison.

“The Marin County District Attorney’s Office is steadfastly committed to holding scammers criminally accountable for their fraudulent acts, particularly fraud committed against our senior population,” said District Attorney Lori Frugoli. “I am proud and grateful for the efforts of our fraud unit and our partner law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly to bring these offenders to justice and who continue to do outstanding work to protect the community.”

Before agreeing to pay for any contracting work, the Marin DA’s Office strongly recommends that homeowners confirm the company or individual has a valid contractor’s license by visiting the California State Department of Consumer Affairs website[External].

California law states that a contractor can only accept a downpayment deposit of $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less. It is a crime for a contractor to charge a greater deposit according to California Business and Professions Code section 7159(d).