Police Search For Victims In House Repair Scam Targeting Seniors

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Detectives say they are looking for more victims of a home improvement contractor theft scheme targeting Harford County seniors.

Last week, detectives charged David Anthony Desell, 33, of Bel Air, in connection to a scheme they say targeted senior citizens. Desell faces 12 criminal counts including passing forged documents, theft scheme under $100,000 and related felony and misdemeanor offenses. Not only is Desell not licensed as a Maryland home improvement contractor, he isn't insured, detectives said.

An investigation into Desell's activities was launched Oct. 31 when the adult child of a senior citizen victim contacted the sheriff's office concerned about her mother being taken advantage of by Desell. In mid-September, Desell knocked on the victim’s door and offered his services to make repairs to her home, which police say "turned out to be unnecessary and for concocted deficiencies." When meeting with detectives, they discovered that Desell had taken advantage of the victim's age and cognitive impairment, the sheriff's office said.

A second victim, living on the same street, also was approached by Desell. He told her she had a crack in her foundation that was causing a major structural issue, and if not taken care of by winter, her house could collapse, detectives said.

"The suspect provided falsified and fabricated paperwork, invoices, licenses and photographs to scare the victims into agreeing to costly home repairs, which were never completed or completed with false documentation. For example, the first victim was encouraged to get a new garage door by Desell. She was billed $3,124 for a Coachman brand door. A $418 replica was installed instead," the sheriff's office stated.

Desell was taken into custody by the HCSO Warrant Apprehension Unit at his home without incident on Nov. 5. He was released on a $5,000 bond.

Detectives believe there may be more victims who have been defrauded by Desell. If anyone knows of a possible victim, they're asked to contact Detective Sargent at 410-836-5428.