The Dallas ex-roofer known for his poker skills and the nickname Grumpy now has a new reason to live up to that name.
The Texas attorney general announced that the state has secured $ 1.5 million from Gilab Rubinsky in civil penalties in his theft case, including $500,000 to be returned to some of the victims.
The Watchdog has watched this alleged swindle unfold for months. Usually, roofers who steal payments from unsuspecting victims are left alone by Texas authorities. It’s an easy crime.
What made the difference here? I believe in this case, about 41 property owners met through social media and signed up on a spreadsheet. That information was passed on to help police and prosecutors make the case.
As I previously reported, I don’t believe law enforcement would have taken the cases were it not for the aggressive fight back by victims.
The alleged conspiracy is one of the biggest roofing scandals in the Dallas region in the past decade.
This week, when The Watchdog called victims for their reaction to the attorney general’s civil case, none had heard specifics of the case. I was happy to deliver the good news.
In a released statement, Attorney General Ken Paxton stated about Rubinsky Roofing, “What this company did to consumers and elderly Texans is an absolute disgrace. I am glad to help Texans get repaid and ensure that … the scam ends.”
Alvaro Lau Camarena, who led the organizing of the victims together, told me that with Rubinsky’s bankruptcy, it would be “a miracle” if anyone gets their money back.
Victim Tony Scoggins said “I’m going to do black flips.
Brad Welcher added, “I’m just glad that justice is being served.”
Don’t confuse the civil case with the possibility of criminal charges brought against the ex-roofer, bankrupt poker player.
If the system works, as it should, more is set to come.