Resulting from an investigation by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit, John E. Burrell, age 62, of Monroe has been arrested on the charges of 1 ct. of Theft of Assets of an Aged or Disabled Person and 1 ct. of Simple Criminal Damage to Property. The investigation stemmed from complaints filed with the Sheriff’s Office of the suspect scamming victims while performing handyman type repair work. The suspect was booked in OCC on the charges.
Due to the recent storm damages suffered by many residents of Ouachita Parish, Sheriff Russell would like to remind citizens to be cautious with hiring individuals to do handyman type jobs. Sheriff Russell recommends that you check that an individual or company is:
1. Licensed, insured and bonded.
2. Ask for a detailed written quote for the cost of labor and materials.
3. Get at least 3 bids for the job.
4. Be extra cautious of unsolicited contact with individuals wanting to do repairs or other services.
For more information on consumer protection or to report contractor fraud visit the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office website: http://www.ag.state.la.us/Shared/ViewDoc.aspx?Type=2&Doc=209.
John E. Burrell