Scammers Charged After Targeting Delco Seniors: Authorities

BROOKHAVEN, PA — Two men are being charged in connection with a contracting scheme that targeted seniors in Delaware County, authorities said Thursday.

John Cassidy, 48, of Yonkers, New York, is in custody, and Thomas Kenny 23, is still being sought.

Cassidy and Kenney are charged with violations of the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act and theft, authorities said.

On Monday afternoon, Brookhaven Police Chief Michael Vice got a call from a homeowner living in Brookhaven.

The victim, who is older than 60 years, said earlier in the day she was pressured by a driveway sealing company.

She told Vice that a man with an Irish accent pressured her into having him seal her driveway.

Initially asking for $2,400, the victims agreed to a price of $1,200 in cash.

After finishing the work, the man, who was joined in the project by a younger man, demanded $1,400.

Police investigation determined the pair used a spray paint to cover the driveway, which is not an acceptable form of sealant.

The victim later told Vice that a neighbor was also pressured by a man with an Irish accent.

Investigators learned that the second victim attempted to prevent the contractor from doing the work, telling Cassidy and Kelly that his driveway did not need sealing, authorities said.

Despite that, Cassidy and Kelly arrived at the victim’s home the next day, accompanied by several other individuals, and told the victim that they had purchased the supplies and that they were therefore going to complete the work, according to authorities.

Payment in cash was also demanded. No receipt or signed contract was created in either case.

The "sealant" used by the defendants was the same black spray paint used on the neighbor’s home. Both victims positively identified the defendants.

Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act was enacted to protect consumers from the unfair trade practices and fraudulent activities of home improvement contractors.

Along with other prohibitions, the act prohibits contractors from making false statements intended to induce a consumer to enter into an agreement or accept an increased price, and such conduct is deemed fraud under the act.

The act also mandates that for a home improvement contract worth more than $500 to be enforceable against an owner, it must be in writing and be signed by both parties.

Cassidy, a citizen of Ireland, is in the country on an expired visa. His bail was set at $100,000, cash.