Police Blotter: Elderly Man Targeted in Roof-Repair Scam

May 14

Elderly man targeted by scammers

Will County police said an 83-year-old man was victimized by scammers who pulled into his driveway in the 3300 block of Caroline Drive in a white pick-up truck, approached him and said they were there to fix his chimney. When the victim informed the men his chimney was fixed two years ago by Mueller Roofing, they claimed to be employees of the company sent out to make repairs. The victim gave the men permission to fix the roof for a cost of $79. After completing the work, the men then billed the man for $3,600, saying the repair cost was “$79 per item and they used 42 of them,” police said. The victim said it appeared to him they had only used spray paint on the flashing. After the men threatened to place a lien on the home, he agreed to a price of $3,300 and gave them a check, police said. As the men left, the victim observed a female sitting in the pick-up truck. Later, he contacted sheriff’s deputies, who found a black spray paint cap in the victim’s bushes. The victim told police he had received a call from his bank informing him that a woman was attempting to cash his check and it exceeded the allowable amount for a non-customer. The man placed a stop on the check, and deputies contacted Mueller Roofing and learned the two men were not employees. Police said the incident remains under investigation.

Traffic arrest

Gustavo Moreno, 27, of the 5900 block of Whipple, Chicago, was arrested by at 9:57a.m. at Joseph Avenue and Route 59 and charged with driving on a suspended/revoked license, police said.

Disorderly conduct

Ralph Gentile, 55, of the 12700 block of Terrace Boulevard, Plainfield, was arrested by Plainfield police at 8:27 a.m. at Lockport Street and Wallin drive and charged with disorderly conduct, police said.

May 11

Retail theft charge

Theodore Marth, 19, of the 1900 block of Arbor Gate Drive, Plainfield, was arrested by Plainfield police at 8:42 p.m. at 12690 S. Route 59 and charged with retail theft, according to police.

May 6

Property damage, theft

James Spina, 31, of the 14000 block of Center Street, Plainfield, was arrested at 1:25 a.m. at 23930 W. Lockport St. and charged with criminal damage to property and theft of $500 or less, police said.

May 5

Pot possession

Mark DeYoung, 18, of the 23000 block of West Rueben, Plainfield, was arrested by Plainfield police at 9:30 p.m. at Feeney Drive and Route 59 and charged with possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis, according to police.

May 3

Retail theft

Jorge Rocha, 32, of the 200 block of Guatemozin, Laredo, Texas, was arrested by Plainfield police at 7:29 p.m. at 13521 S. Route 59 and charged with retail theft, police said.