Man faces additional charges in renovation and repair scams

CITYnews halifax / By Rachel Morgan

A man who police have charged after a series of renovation and repair scams targeting seniors is now facing 22 additional charges.

Halifax Regional Police arrested and charged 65-year-old James Robert Dwyer on Sept. 15 and charged him with the following:

• Fraud under $5,000 (x4);
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (x4);
• Mislead police by diverting suspicion; and
• Fraudulent or misleading receipt.

The charges came after a series of renovation and repair scams were reported to have occurred between July 8 and Aug. 18.

Officials describe the man as white, with a bald head, crooked teeth and clean shaven. He speaks with a Newfoundland accent and has used several false names, including John Andrews, John, Robert Squires, Andrews and Bob Andrews.

Police say he collects a deposit but does not return to complete the service.

On Sept. 23, police laid additional charges including 11 counts of fraud under $5000 and 11 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Police are cautioning the public to verify any contractor’s credentials before entering into a service agreement.