Harford County man facing charges after allegedly scamming elderly homeowners

BALTIMORE -- Detectives are looking for more victims of a massive home improvement scheme in Harford County in which a man allegedly targeted senior citizens and claimed to be a home improvement contractor.

Police said David Desell, 33, told the seniors their homes needed immediate work, and that he would do it for the best price possible.

The only problem is that he didn't have an actual contractor license, and their homes didn't need any work. 

$32k in Repairs

Detectives said back in October, Desell charged one victim about $32,000 to make repairs to her home. 

According to Chris Sergent, Detective with the Harford County Sheriff's Office, "he had redone some of the front porch area...the garage door, [and he] had replaced a sump pump". 

However, as Sergent explained, "he's not a licensed contractor..." 

The repairs were later determined to be unnecessary. 

Detective Sergent, who was assigned to the case said Desell took advantage of the victim's age and cognitive impairment. 

But he didn't stop there. He went next door to another neighbor, telling her she had a crack in her foundation that he could fix immediately at a lower price. 

"He can provide the best deal for them. He's their guy. He's looking out for them and trying to be convincing, but unfortunately, none of it needed to be done," Sergent said. 

Police said Desell provided falsified paperwork and photographs to scare victims into repairs that were never completed or completed with false documentation. 

In one case, police said Desell charged over $3,100 for a garage door but installed a $418 replica.  

Desell was arrested and charged with 12 criminal counts in connection to his false representation. Though, officers believe there could be more victims out there.  

"We can't have people like this going around doing this," Detective Sergent said.  

Officers said after Desell was bonded out, he went back to the same neighborhood trying to target the same victims again. 

If anyone believes they may be a victim of his, officers say to contact them immediately.