GRANITE CITY – A local man suspected of home repair fraud against two elderly Granite City residents faces felony charges in Madison County.
Robert L. Schlechter, 30, of Collinsville, was charged on Oct. 8, 2026 with two counts of aggravated home repair fraud (both Class 2 felonies) and two counts of home repair fraud (both Class 4 felonies).
On Nov. 3, 2025, Schlechter allegedly entered into an $8,600 agreement with an elderly victim to complete home repairs to the victim’s Granite City residence. He reportedly received payment while misrepresenting himself as an employee of Baney Construction when he was not employed by the business.
Charging documents state he agreed to replace the roof of the elderly victim’s home with no intention of performing the work promised.
In a separate but similar incident two months later, Schlechter allegedly committed home repair fraud against a different elderly Granite City resident.
On Jan. 9, 2026, Schlechter is accused of entering an agreement totaling $5,723.94 with an individual who was 60 years of age or older at the time.
Schlechter reportedly agreed to perform home repairs he knew would not be performed, including roof replacement, to the victim’s Granite City residence while misrepresenting himself as a Baney Construction employee.
The Granite City Police Department presented the case against Schlechter, who was ordered released pending trial.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
