Roofer pleads
guilty to scams

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

A Pennypack roofing contractor accused of scamming more than a dozen city residents has pleaded guilty to major charges.
Gary Trager, 52, who operated Santini Contractors with his twin brother Mark, appeared before Municipal Court Judge Marsha Neifeld on Aug. 8.
He pleaded guilty to 12 counts of fraudulent business practice and conspiracy, in addition to two counts of misdemeanor theft for allegedly pocketing deposits and then failing to make proper roof repairs.
Several of the victims were elderly.
Throughout the case, the Tragers have maintained that illness and inclement weather kept them from finishing jobs.
The Times learned last week that co-defendant Mark Trager died in July, reportedly from a heart attack. His charges have been abated.
Assistant District Attorney Dawn Holtz said that Gary Trager now bears the responsibility for covering the full amount of restitution, which adds up to more than $8,000.
But depending on the value of his assets, it could take a while before all victims receive their full payments, she said. Restitution is normally paid on a monthly basis and split among the victims.
"It will definitely be ordered and he’ll have to pay it back," Holtz said. "(But) it may take forever."
Holtz said Trager could face up to 60 years in prison, but she does not believe that he will get anywhere near the maximum sentence.
His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 25. It will take place in Courtroom 1103 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St., at 9 a.m.
The prosecution will have a chance to submit victim impact statements at the sentencing.
Holtz intended to notify victims of the court date last week.
"That was just atrocious," she said of the case.
"This was money these people didn’t have." ••
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com