Police activity Credit: Geralt / Pixabay.com
A local contractor is facing fraud charges after Whitemarsh Township police say he took thousands of dollars for heating and air conditioning work that was never completed, according to documents.
Whitemarsh Township Police Department began investigating a contractor fraud complaint on Nov. 5, 2025, involving Holod’s True Value, located at 700 Ridge Pike.
Police said the store owner hired Robert L. Herman, 48, of Conshohocken, to install a new central air conditioning unit for the store’s gift shop in June 2025. Herman, who was employed at Holod’s True Value at the time, agreed to purchase the materials and complete the job for $6,000.
Holod paid the money by check made out to Herman’s friend and co-worker, who later told police she cashed the check and gave the money to Herman. Investigators say Herman dismantled the existing air unit but never provided replacement materials and worked no more than two days.
Police say Herman later requested an additional $3,000, claiming the heat exchanger needed to be replaced. Holod provided another check to Herman. Despite repeated inquiries during a summer heat wave, Holod reportedly received excuses that materials were backordered, damaged, or awaiting refunds. Herman eventually quit his job at the store and never returned to complete the work or provide equipment.
Detectives later contacted Herman, who claimed he was waiting on a $5,500 refund from a supply company in King of Prussia. Police say Herman failed to provide any receipts or return the money by a set deadline.
In December 2025, police say a second contractor fraud case involving Herman was reported by an 84-year-old Whitemarsh Township resident.
According to investigators, the 84-year-old hired Herman to replace a heat pump at her rental property on Ash Lane in Lafayette Hill for $8,802. Herman allegedly requested a $6,000 deposit and promised the work would be completed within two days. Police say she provided three $2,000 checks to Herman, all of which were cashed.
Investigators say Herman removed the existing HVAC system and approximately 60 feet of copper piping, but never installed new equipment. He reportedly left behind only a small amount of new piping and stopped showing up after several days. Police say Herman later told the victim he would return the money, but never did.
In total, police allege Herman received $9,000 from Holod and $6,000 from the 84-year-old. Both victims reported financial losses and requested criminal charges.
Herman is facing multiple felony charges including theft by deception.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Dara Nasatir.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
