NORTH MIAMI, Fla. — An 85-year-old North Miami man who is legally blind has gotten all his money back after paying for a roof that was never completed.
But to receive the refund, Andreas Sagi had to sign a confidentiality agreement, one that prevents him from discussing the settlement or pursuing prosecution.
Sagi can’t legally talk about what happened, but his friend, neighbor and North Miami Commissioner Kevin Burns can.
“If it wasn’t for our police detective and the media attention that you all brought, none of this would have happened,” Burns said.
Back in August, Sagi told Local 10 News that two men knocked on his door, sold him a new roof, made big promises, and persuaded him to pay the full $28,000 upfront.
The roof was left unfinished, and the men disappeared.
Burns admits he never expected Sagi would see his money again.
“Never did,” Burns said. “Nine times out of 10, nobody sees a dime.”
Neighbor Bill Simpson helped identify the men after seeing a Local 10 investigation into a separate driveway repair case.
“And I’m watching it and I go, wait a minute, that’s the same guys that ripped Sagi off -- Mr. Sagi,” Simpson said.
Police launched an investigation, which ultimately led to a settlement and full refund.
“They were able to get back this gentleman’s money that was illegally taken from him, and make him whole,” Burns said.
“They settled this week, and our police department was involved.”
Local 10 News identified the men as Joshua Mitchell and his adult son, Chris Mitchell, of Dania Beach -- the same pair previously confronted in that driveway repair investigation. When questioned at the time, Joshua Mitchell denied doing anything wrong.
“No, I ripped off nobody, sir,” he said.
When asked how he would describe what happened, Chris Mitchell replied, “Sir, I have no comment.”
“We don’t have to speak to you,” he later added.
In both the roofing and driveway cases, the alleged victims said they only received refunds after signing confidentiality agreements and agreeing not to pursue charges.
Burns said the months-long ordeal took a toll on his elderly neighbor.
“It did take a toll on his health, and it was very stressful,” he said. “Especially when you’re 85 years old, legally blind. It was very stressing to him that he thought he had lost all his life savings.”
The Mitchells are not state-licensed contractors.
Authorities and Local 10 News remind residents to be cautious if approached at home for roof or driveway work, and to always verify licenses and do extensive research.
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