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JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — A Jefferson County homeowner who paid “Lifetime Roofing” in Evergreen more than $5,000 up front last summer and got nothing in return is getting some much needed help.

Brian Cooper is one of more than a dozen alleged victims who paid the company tens of thousands of dollars for roofs that were not installed.

On top of that, investigative reporter Heidi Hemmat learned Lifetime Roofing billed several homeowners’ insurance companies for more money, claiming the work was completed.

Lifetime’s owner, Jonathan McMillan, admitted he had committed insurance fraud.

“If that’s the case, that we asked the insurance company to pay for something we didn’t do, that was a mistake,” McMillan said.

Hemmat then asked, “Isn’t that insurance fraud?

McMillan replied “Um, well, by the letter of the law, yes.”

McMillan claimed he was working hard to roof or refund all of the alleged victims, and promised to give Brian Cooper his money back.

But Cooper has yet to hear from McMillan regarding his refund.

“I’m not surprised,” Cooper said. “He’s just that kind of guy. He should be ashamed of himself.”

After the story aired Monday night, Hemmat was contacted by Paul Reed from North West Roofing in Denver.

Reed offered to replace Cooper’s roof for free.

“We just want everyone to know we (roofing companies) are not all like that,” he said. “There are some good companies out there.”

Cameras were there when Reed drove up to Cooper’s house to deliver the good news in person.

“Heard you had some trouble with your roof,” Reed said. “We are going to get you taken care of.”

Cooper grinned from ear to ear and said, “You are? I’m in shock right now. I’ve just been dragged through the mud for so long.”

Cooper then hugged Reed and Hemmat, too.

“Thank you so much,” he said.

Reed wants homeowners to know they do not have to pay a roofing company up front. He said they should wait until after the materials are delivered and the work begins.

He also advises people to research the company before they hire them. check references, and don’t pay the balance until the roof, gutters and siding are completed.