Ronald Robling and his estate sale company R & S Resale will pay a total of $77,523.21 in restitution after pleading guilty as charged by the Michigan Attorney General's office to:
- One felony count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise/Racketeering.
- Thirteen felony counts of Embezzlement By An Agent or Trustee $,1000 or more but less than $20,000.
- One misdemeanor count of Felony By An Agent or Trustee.
Through R & S Resale, Robling who lives in Centerline conducted estate and moving sales for clients. Instead of paying his clients, however, he repeatedly pocketed the proceeds from the sales. He defrauded at least 18 victims, some for more than $10,000.
Robling received a delayed sentenced on Tuesday before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Rae Lee Chabot. If he pays a total of $25,000 by 8:30 a.m. July 21, 2020, which is his final sentencing date, the racketeering charge will be dismissed.
As part of his plea, Robling agreed to a minimum restitution order of $69,763.18. However, after the plea was entered, two more victims came forward and Robling signed a stipulation for the additional victims along with a higher amount to one of the original victims, bringing the total restitution order to $77,523.21.
Robling came to the attention of the attorney general's Financial Crimes Division following Fox News reporter Rob Wolchek's "Hall of Shame" segment, which featured Robling and R&S. Several complaints were filed as a result of feature.
"This case is an excellent example of the important role the media can play in helping bring bad news stories to light," said Nessel. "Thanks to Rob Wolchek and our own Financial Crimes Division, Robling has been held accountable for his actions."
Nessel urged anyone who has a complaint about deceptive business practices in Michigan to alert her office by either calling 1-877-765-8388 or filing a complaint online at mi.gov/agcomplaints.
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