At least three law enforcement agencies are investigating the activities of a tree-trimming company called the “Tree Guys” following the arrest of the owner of the business, according to the Longmont Police Department and the Better Business Bureau.
Ollie Eddington, 43, was arrested last week after he allegedly charged a 93-year-old Longmont woman $2,200 for cutting four to six branches off a tree in her yard. Eddington allegedly demanded $2,400 but the elderly woman refused to pay.
She told investigators that she eventually wrote a check to Eddington for $2,200 because she felt afraid.
According to the Longmont Police Department, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department and Boulder Police Department are investigating other cases against Eddington and employees that worked for Eddington’s company, “The Tree Guys.”
An arrest warrant has been issued for Cloyde Kyle and an investigation continues into Ollie Eddington, Jr., according to Longmont police. Longmont authorities say the Eddington crew may have worked at 15 different locations in Longmont.
The Better Business Bureau said police have reported that Ollie Eddington is on probation in Georgia for exploitation of the elderly. In Georgia, said the BBB, he is not allowed to work with anyone over the age of 70.
According to the BBB, Eddington invited himself into the 93-year-old Longmont woman’s backyard and tried to convince her that her roof needed repairs. When she balked, he allegedly said he could trim her trees. He then charged her the $2,200.
Last week, the Denver district attorney’s office said it believed Eddington did work in Denver.
People who believed they may have been victimized by Eddington are asked to call Longmont Detective Stephen Desmond at 303-774-4590; the Denver district attorney’s office, 720-913-9179, the Colorado Attorney General’s Elder Watch, 1-800-222-4444.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
