A Community's Trust Shattered: Michigan Man Accused of Taking $97K for Church Roof Never Built

There’s a rather unfortunate tale unfolding up in Northern Michigan, one that touches upon trust, community, and a significant amount of money seemingly gone astray. At the heart of it is St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Rogers City, a place of worship that was simply trying to get a new roof – a necessary undertaking for any building, especially one meant to stand for generations.

But what should have been a straightforward project turned into a tangled mess, leading to felony charges for a Michigan man. Robert Bruce Kellar, 55, who reportedly owns True North Roofing LLC, now faces accusations of larceny by conversion, a charge that carries serious weight. The allegation? He accepted a hefty payment of $97,000 from the church back in January 2023 for roofing work that, quite simply, never got done.

Imagine the frustration. The church, presumably looking forward to a secure, new roof, handed over a substantial sum. But as the months ticked by, the promised work remained just that – a promise. It wasn’t until August 2023 that the Rogers City Police Department received a formal complaint. Apparently, despite numerous attempts by the church to reach Kellar and get the project moving or secure a refund, their efforts were in vain. Multiple letters were sent, trying to resolve the matter, but to no avail.

The situation escalated quickly after that. Following a thorough investigation by law enforcement, an arrest warrant was issued for Kellar on December 11, 2023. It then took about a month before he was apprehended, finally being arrested on January 12, 2024, in Presque Isle County. He was later arraigned on January 16 in the 89th District Court in Rogers City, facing that serious charge of larceny by conversion of $20,000 or more.

This isn't Kellar’s first brush with the law, it seems. Records indicate he has prior felony convictions, including a home invasion back in 2007 and another for larceny in a building in 2008. These past offenses undoubtedly play a role in how this current case is viewed. For this new alleged crime, his bond was set at $20,000 cash or surety, a figure that reflects the gravity of the accusations.

The legal process is now moving forward. Kellar is scheduled for a probable cause conference on February 14. It’s a somber reminder that even in places of faith and community, vigilance is key, and sadly, sometimes trust can be deeply misplaced. St. Ignatius Catholic Church, no doubt, hopes for a swift and just resolution, and perhaps, eventually, a new roof to protect their cherished building.