Michigan garage contractor sentenced for taking money for jobs he didn’t start

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI – A Michigan garage contractor has been sentenced to years in prison for crimes related to taking tens of thousands of dollars for jobs he never started or did not complete, authorities said.

This week, Judge Cheryl Matthews of the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County sentenced Artemio “Temo” Sessions, 56, of Walled Lake, to three years and four months to 20 years in prison, the Michigan Department of Attorney General announced.

“Michigan consumers want the professionals they contract with to be reputable, skilled tradesmen, not rampant scammers,” AG Dana Nessel said in a statement. “My office will continue to hold accountable those who criminally fail to deliver and simply run off with their customers’ hard-earned money.”

Sessions’ business, Garages R Us, was used to defraud customers. He repeatedly contracted to build or repair garages, obtained payment, and then continually made excuses for his failure to initiate or complete the work. He would eventually stop returning calls or messages.

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Felony charges against Sessions were filed in April 2021 in connection to customers in Pontiac, Westland, Rochester Hills, Mt. Clemens, Redford and Saline. In February, he was convicted by a jury of false pretenses and conducting a criminal enterprise.

“When in the market for construction or home repairs, I encourage all Michigan residents to research the contractors they consider,” Nessel said.