MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) -- The tree trimmer 13 On Your Side confronted last summer is in jail facing multiple criminal charges. Investigators and customers of Gary Lee Johnson say he took money for services he never delivered, and he could be facing even more charges.
A large storm last May provided a rush of work for tree trimmers in Muskegon, but according to prosecutors, it also created an opportunity for Johnson to fraudulently take money from customers.
Rose Byrnes was one of Gary Johnson's customers. In May, she paid him $1,000 to cut and remove two damaged trees. Byrnes called 13 On Your Side after Johnson left her with an unfinished job.
"It is alleged that he was taking money and either not performing the work that he had promised he was going to do, or taking money and not completing the job," said Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson. He adds Rose Byrnes' story is similar to other cases police are investigating.
When confronted by 13 On Your Side in May, Johnson admitted he committed to, and took money to do too many jobs and couldn't keep up. "I am counting on people with bucket trucks. We just been doing them, sun up to sun down and even on the holidays," Johnson said in May.
He is charged with a felony for false pretenses and multiple misdemeanors for the same type of activity. Other potential victims of Gary Johnson and Clean Cut Tree Services are asked to contact their local police department.
