Stellar faces additional charges

Additional charges have been filed against a Fulton County businessman after reports of unfinished construction jobs continue to be reported.

The initial charge of unlawful acts Arkansas hot check law, a class C felony was filed against 50-year-old Gerald Stellar on Sept. 12 after the owner of All Steel in Geep reported a hot check had been received in the amount of $11,712.98 on Aug. 26.

By Sept. 12, the check could still not be successfully deposited or cashed leading to the charge and a bond of $20,000 cash only.

On Sept. 15, additional felony charges were filed after authorities investigated two separate incidences in which Stellar had taken money for services, but had not completed the jobs.

According to the reports, one victim had hired Stellar to repair damage to roofs of buildings in Fulton County which were damaged during the hail storm earlier this year.

The victim received $13,000 from his insurance company and in turn cashed the check and turned the funds over to Stellar for the repairs which were not completed. This added one count of theft by deception property value of $5,000 or less but more than $1,000, a class D felony. 

Bond for the second charge was set at $10,000 cash only.

A third victim reported to authorities the Veteran’s Affairs had Stellar begin work on a bathroom remodel the victim needed to make the restroom handicap accessible.

Approximately six months after taking the job, Stellar stated he required $2,000 for materials and later returned to request an additional $2,600 more for materials. The job was not completed. As a result, Stellar has been charged with a second count of theft by deception property value of $5,000 or less but more than $1,000, a class D felony. Bond for this charge was set at $5,000 cash only.

As of Sept. 19, Stellar is still listed as an inmate in the Fulton County Detention Center.Stellar has previously been convicted of four or more felonies.