Delco Man Wanted In DE For Headstone Scams: Police

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A Delaware County man charged with nearly 300 theft crimes in Pennsylvania is now wanted for similar crimes in Delaware.

New Castle County Police in Delaware said Gregory Stefan, 54, of Gulph Mills, is wanted for theft charges in Delaware after authorities said collected money from people with recently deceased loved ones without providing headstone services.

According to police, Stefan, was reaching out to victims who had deceased loved ones, meeting them at a cemetery, and designing a headstone for them.

He would then create what appeared to be a formal contract, collect payment from the victim, and then he would later send them a letter saying his business had gone bankrupt and he could not uphold the contract, police said.

Stefan in September was charged with 280 counts of theft by unlawful taking in Delaware County, court records show.

Stefan was one of the owners of Upper Darby gravestone and engraving company "1843 LLC," which in January this year was ordered by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office to halt business and pay restitution to customers who did not receive services after payment.

In Delaware, Stefan was charged with one felony count of theft $1,500 or greater and one felony count of theft by false pretenses.

"Multiple victims have come forward in Pennsylvania and New Jersey alleging similar criminal behavior," New Castle County Police said. "The Division is concerned that there may be additional victims here in New Castle County."

Anyone with information is asked to contact New Castle County Police Detective Sigoda at sara.sigoda@newcastlede.gov or 302-395-8238.