Rockville, OH– A recent contractor fraud case out of Parke County serves as a warning for homeowners to exercise caution when hiring individuals for home improvement work. Authorities say the contractor in question, David Broadway, of Millbury, Ohio, scammed multiple senior citizens out of thousands of dollars through deceptive practices.
Alleged Scams Target Elderly Residents
According to police reports, Broadway approached an 84-year-old Rockville woman last year, offering to repair her driveway. He allegedly charged her $3,800 but delivered substandard work. Investigators determined that Broadway diluted paving materials with gasoline to make them stretch further, leaving behind a crumbling and unsafe surface.
Detectives also discovered that Broadway had previously scammed a woman from Avon, Ohio, out of $2,500 and had outstanding warrants in both Ohio and Pennsylvania, indicating a pattern of fraudulent activity across state lines.
Investigation and Court Outcome
Authorities in Parke County investigated Broadway’s activities, leading to criminal charges for fraud. Broadway later pleaded guilty to one felony count of fraud in Parke County and was sentenced to 180 days in jail.
He also faces a separate fraud trial in Hendricks County, which is scheduled for March, where prosecutors will examine additional allegations of similar scams.
Community Awareness
Law enforcement officials emphasized the need for vigilance when dealing with door-to-door contractors. They noted that offenders like Broadway often travel from town to town, targeting communities with older residents who may be less familiar with standard industry pricing or building practices.
Authorities encourage anyone who suspects they have been a victim of contractor fraud to report the incident to local police.
What steps should communities take to protect senior citizens from contractor fraud? Have you or someone you know experienced a similar scam, and what did you learn from it?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help raise awareness on how to stay safe when hiring home improvement professionals.
