City bans contractor after permit forgery

INDIANANPOLIS (WISH) - Stop working. That's the order Indianapolis officials handed down to the owner of a local construction company who they say is defrauding customers and the city.

Robert Hight of Hight’s Buildings, operating as a contractor without a license to do so, is accused of forging documents.

Crystal Reed said she started her quest for a contractor the old-fashioned way: skimming the phone book. She said she even looked at some of the Hight’s projects, but missed one important step.

Reed said she paid Hight $1,500 to build a detached garage behind her east side home.
But it never should've happened. The permit Hight provided with the city's seal was fake.

“It looks as though (the permit) was something issued years ago,” prosecuting attorney Helen Marchal said. “The last permit (Hight) pulled in the city was in 2006.”

But Reed, who has years of experience in construction, said the false permit didn’t lead her to the city. She had no idea it was fake.

“I went to them because I had not seen an inspector here,” Reed said, adding the construction job was shoddy.

When the city began its investigation, numerous violations were discovered.

“Individuals like Mr. Hight who operate unlicensed construction businesses, perform substandard work and provide customers with fraudulent city documents threaten the welfare and safety of our citizens,” Marchal said. “In this instance, Mr. Hight misrepresented himself to both the city and his client.”

Until further notice, Hight has been banned from conducting construction activities in Marion County. The order issued requires that he cease and desist operation of business activities associated with Robert Hight and Hight’s Building. A hearing on the temporary restraining order is set for 2 p.m. May 10 at Marion Superior Environmental Court.

Hight declined to comment on camera, but released the following statement:

“Hight’s Buildings has served the Indianapolis area for 11 years and have many satisfied customers. I was recently the victim of a man … , who sold me his services in acquiring a permit. The permit turned out to be false. I am sorry for any harm that this decision may have caused to my customer who has been nothing but pleasant since the job began. I am willing to do whatever it takes to make things right."

Officials urged citizens to make sure a contractor is licensed, listed or registered with the city of Indianapolis before hiring. More information about contractor licensing is available online at www.indy.gov/dce .