Lewes, DE – Delaware State Police have arrested a 63-year-old Lewes man in connection with a home improvement fraud scheme that allegedly cost a senior victim $7,000.
According to Delaware State Police, troopers began investigating the case on September 2, 2025, after receiving a complaint about a failed HVAC installation. Investigators learned that in October 2024, the suspect allegedly signed a contract with a 66-year-old Lewes resident for HVAC work. Police said the victim paid $7,000 up front, but the job was never started and the money was not returned.
Troopers obtained a warrant, and on September 11, 2025, the suspect turned himself in at Troop 7. He was charged with Home Improvement Fraud by False Pretense $1,500 or Greater with a Victim 62 Years or Older/Impaired/Disabled, a felony. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
Police are asking anyone who may have been defrauded by the suspect in a similar way to contact Troop 4 Financial Crimes at 302-856-5850. Tips can also be submitted via Delaware State Police Facebook, Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333, or online.
