Cincinnati Home Remodeler Indicted for Theft of $213K

(CINCINNATI) — A home remodeler who allegedly stole almost $213,000 from consumers has been indicted on 49 charges, including theft and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today.

John J. Drennan, 33, is accused of failing to deliver promised services or refunds after taking payments totaling $212,938 from two dozen victims in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Three of the victims are elderly.

“This guy was in the business of deception,” Yost said. “Evidence shows he took thousands of dollars from these victims without ever starting any work or delivering supplies for their home repair projects.”

The indictment says Drennan used his Cincinnati business, Basement Boost and Bath Boost, to commit the crimes from November 2017 through August 2018. All but five victims live in Ohio:

  • 11 in Hamilton County, Ohio
  • 2 in Warren County, Ohio
  • 2 in Miami County, Ohio
  • 3 in Butler County, Ohio
  • 1 in Greene County, Ohio
  • 4 in Campbell County, Kentucky
  • 1 in Ohio County, Indiana

The charges against Drennan include a first-degree felony count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, 46 felony counts of theft and two misdemeanor counts of theft.

An attorney from Yost’s Consumer Protection Section was appointed special prosecutor in the case.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.