Macon contractor accused of fraud by purposely damaging roof

A Macon roofing contractor is accused of intentionally damaging a roof so he could repair it.

Anthony Christopher Bernardo, 48, of Cambridge Way, was arrested Monday on charges of insurance fraud and criminal damage to property.

According to a joint investigation by the Georgia Insurance Commissioner's Office, the Macon Circuit District Attorney and the Bibb County Sheriff's Office, Bernardo was hired to inspect a home under contract and allegedly caused significant damage to the roof so he could solicit the homeowners to be paid to make the repairs in a fraudulent insurance claim.

In an inspection three days before, the initial contractor did not report any damage, according to a news release from the insurance commissioner.

Insurance fraud is a felony that carries two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 7:36 PM with the headline "Macon contractor accused of fraud by purposely damaging roof ."