Delco Man Used Facebook In Contracting Scam: District Attorney

GLENOLDEN, PA — A Delaware County man is being accused of running a contractor scam on social media, bilking victims of money for work he never did, the District Attorney's Office said Tuesday.

District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland said John Patrick Latta, 41, has been arrested on theft charges after allegedly scamming multiple residents he contacted through Facebook, taking advanced payment for work on various home repair projects and then failing to perform the work.

Latta, of Glenolden, has been charged with receiving advance payment for services and failure to perform, theft by unlawful taking, and receiving stolen property, the DA's office said.

In December 2018, an investigation was launched into possible fraud after information was received about Latta, who was soliciting for home repair/improvement contract work on Facebook, and then taking advance payment for work he never performed, according to the DA's office.

To the most recent victim, who resides in Upper Providence Township, told authorities she contacted Latta through Facebook and arranged for an estimate for work to be conducted on her driveway, the DA's office said.

On Nov. 1, 2018, Latta arrived at the residence and provided an estimate of $275 for the work and requested $140 in advance payment which the victim sent electronically through Venmo, an electronic payment application, according to the DA's office.

Latta promised to perform the work the next day, but never returned, and when the victim requested a refund through Venmo, Latta denied the victim’s refund, the DA's office said. He then blocked her from social networking and did not answer further calls or messages, according to the DA's office.

Through the course of the investigation, authorities learned Latta committed similar fraud against a total of nine victims in Delaware County, many who responded to his solicitation for work posted on Facebook, the DA's office said.

In most instances, the work was for driveway sealing and repair projects, in addition to home repairs such as brick and cement work, with estimates ranging between $200 and $550 dollars. Latta took advanced electronic payment from the victims, however, he never performed the work, according to the DA's office

If you believe that you have been victimized by Latta, contact Detective Edward Rosen at (610) 891-4851.

Image via Delaware County District Attorney's Office