Real estate broker agrees to surrender license after AG complaint

HAMILTON COUNTY — Real estate broker Westfield has agreed to surrender its license for the next five years.

The Indiana Attorney General’s Office has filed a complaint against Jeffrey Rothbard, alleging that he failed to disclose prior criminal convictions when applying for and renewing his Indiana real estate broker’s license.

In 2011, Rothbard was convicted of forgery in Marion County and sentenced to probation.

In 2016, Rothbard was found guilty of federal fraud.

Federal prosecutors said Rothbard used his companies, GreenCity Finance and GreenCity Energy, to obtain commitments from people who needed financing, and Rothbard instead used the money to pay his living expenses.

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According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Rothbard served time in a federal prison and community detention facility from September 2018 to April 2019.

In addition to working as a real estate broker, Rothbard also worked as a general contractor.

After serving his sentence, Rothbard established two businesses in Indiana — SilverCreek Residential in August 2019 and SilverCreek Construction in 2021.

Rothbard is listed as the manager of SilverCreek Residential and SilverCreek Construction, according to state records.

Benjamin Irwin of Fishers said he had no idea of ​​Rothbard’s criminal background when he hired Rothbard in 2022.

Kenny, Cara

“We didn’t know,” Irwin said. “We thought we did some good research.”

Irwin paid a $13,125 deposit to Rothbard and SilverCreek Construction to build the 260-square-foot addition and deck, records state.

“We got it on the recommendation of a neighbor who seemed to have a really good project,” Irwin said.

Irwin said Rothbard kept asking for more money.

“He’s not done,” Irwin said. “He raised a ton of money but never actually ordered the materials he said he ordered.”

Irwin filed a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, which received at least four consumer complaints alleging that Rothbard took thousands of dollars from each of them for construction projects but did not complete the work or return the money.

While investigating consumer complaints, the Attorney General’s Office found clear violations related to Rothbard’s license as a real estate broker.

In February 2024, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office filed a complaint alleging that Rothbard failed to disclose his convictions for forgery and fraud when he applied for his real estate broker’s license in 2014 and renewed it in 2017.

The state argued that Rothbard answered “no” when asked if he had ever been convicted of any crime.

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In August 2024, the state reached a settlement with Rothbard in which he agreed to surrender his real estate broker’s license for five years.

“It just seems like a slap on the wrist compared to the pain and damage he caused,” Irwin said.

Rothbard pleaded not guilty to any wrongdoing in the settlement with the state, and it did not affect his ability to perform construction work.

“I don’t think anyone is under the impression that they’re going to get their money back, but I would like to see an end to their ability to take advantage of people,” Irwin said.

WRTV Investigates emailed Rothbard’s attorney, KC Cohen, and has not heard back.

WRTV waited outside the federal courthouse to speak with Rothbard.

• WRTV: WRTV Channel 6’s Kara Kenny. Can we ask you a few questions?
• Rothbard: About what?
• WRTV: About people saying you owe them money.
• Rothbard: no
• WRTV: Can you say anything about the state filing a complaint against your real estate license?
• Rothbard: (no answer)

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WRTV Investigates called Rothbard and emailed another attorney listed for Rothbard, Bradley Buchheit, and we’re still waiting to hear back.

Rothbard filed for bankruptcy in 2023, but his former business partner questions whether Rothbard will be able to discharge certain debts in bankruptcy.

His former business partner filed a lawsuit accusing Rothbard of fraud. The case is still pending in federal court.

Fishers’ Ben Irwin plans to testify against Rothbard.

Rothbard’s bankruptcy filing also means several civil lawsuits against Rothbard and SilverCreek Construction are on hold, including one filed by Yasser Ali of Indianapolis.

Ali’s lawsuit alleges that SilverCreek failed to complete the renovations on his home in accordance with their binding agreement and refused to return Ali’s $67,500 deposit.

“I want my money back,” Ali said.

Ali said his family had been forced to live elsewhere in the meantime.

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“I personally couldn’t sleep sometimes, it’s like I haven’t even eaten,” said Ali. — I tried to hide my emotions in front of the children. I said it was going to be fine, but to be honest, it was horrible.”

Both the Ali and Irwin families say they had to pay another contractor to complete the work, which was more money out of their pocket.

Irwin said he is paying the new contractor in stages.

“We’re doing a phased work plan, so we’re only going to pay for a portion of the work as it’s done,” Irwin said.

Rothbard was not prosecuted in connection with his construction business.

Provided

Carmel police were investigating, but the agency tells us it has turned the case over to the FBI.

The FBI will neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation.

SilverCreek Construction is still a registered company in Indiana, but it is unclear if they are still doing any work.

ADVICE ON HIRING A CONTRACTOR:

• Get your grades in writing.
• Check for criminal charges or civil lawsuits here
• Check for a contractor’s license.
• Ask for references and call.
• Ask to show examples of their work.
• Ask about insurance: personal liability, worker’s compensation and property damage coverage.
• Pay smart, not up front.