Police: Man Stole $8,000 From Elderly Woman In Maintenance Work Scam

MONROEVILLE (KDKA) -- Monroeville Police are investigating after a man allegedly took thousands of dollars from an 88-year-old woman through home improvement fraud.

According to a criminal complaint, two men arrived at the victim's home on Greenleaf Drive in Monroeville on Aug. 10 and offered to seal her driveway. The woman agreed and gave the men a check, which they filled out and cashed for $3,700 after they completed the job.

On Aug. 17, the pair returned and told the woman she needed work done on her chimney. She agreed and the men went up to her roof for about 20 minutes, saying they would finish at a later time. It was later learned that no work had been done on the chimney.

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Once again, she handed them a check to be filled out. Made out to 59-year-old Rocky Collins, this check was cashed for $4,300.

When the woman's daughter learned of the transactions, she filed a police report.

Officers were able to locate Rocky Collins and interview him. He told police he would typically charge $150 to $200 to seal a driveway. Asked about the roof, Collins said he intended to finish the job. However, police found no roofing materials in his vehicle.

Collins is accused of criminal conspiracy, home improvement fraud and theft by deception. He has reportedly been accused of doing this before.

Police say senior citizens should be on guard against this kind of scam.

"If something doesn't seem right to you when they come to the door, you should certainly check with one of your friends of family members before you make any decisions," said Monroeville Police Chief Doug Cole.

The identity of the other man involved is not known.