Couple Uncovers Contracting Scam in Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, VA — A contractor tried to scam a couple by returning tile they had purchased for him to install and receiving a cash refund at the Lowe's Home Improvement Store at 299 Banks Ford Parkway, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Corey Alan Henry Estevez, 28, of Comorn Road in King George, was charged with grand larceny, obtaining money by false pretenses, petit larceny (third or subsequent offense) and larceny (third or subsequent conviction).

Shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a disturbance at the Lowe's, where two males and a female were involved in a dispute. A deputy found that one of the males had been hired by the couple to replace tile in a residential rental property.

The previous day, the woman and Estevez had gone to the store, where she bought about $700 worth of tile. Both she and Estevez kept copies of the receipt. Later in the day, the woman returned to the store with a copy of her receipt to claim a military discount.

It was then she found out that some of the tile purchased earlier had been returned for a refund. She texted Estevez and told him to suspend the project. Then they contacted their landlords to inform them Estevez had been at the residence picking up the tile.

The couple drove to Lowe's, found Estevez and confronted him about the theft, causing the disturbance that drew police. Estevez was unable to provide any evidence or documentation to prove he had done nothing wrong.

He's being held without bond.

Photo: Stafford County Sheriff's Office