The Harford County Sheriff's Office is actively seeking individuals who may have fallen victim to a home improvement contractor theft scheme led by 33-year-old David Anthony Desell of Bel Air. As reported by WMAR-2 News, Desell has been charged with a litany of criminal counts, including passing forged documents and a theft scheme. These charges come amidst allegations of preying on senior citizens by providing falsified documents to coerce them into unnecessary home repairs.
This scheme unraveled after an investigation was initiated due to concerns raised by a victim's adult child, who informed the authorities about the possible exploitation of their mother by Desell. He was charging exorbitant amounts for home repairs deemed unneeded and, in one instance, a door billed for an upscale brand, instead a low-cost replica was installed, as detailed by FOX Baltimore. Residents of the same Bel Air street were targeted, specifically senior citizens, where Desell magnified the urgency of the repairs, using the threat of potential structural collapse to push for costly interventions before winter.
Desell, who is not licensed as a Maryland Home Improvement Contractor or insured, was arrested on November 5th and subsequently released on a bond of $5,000. The Harford County Sheriff's Office believes more victims may exist, and they are encouraging anyone with concerns or information to reach out to Detective Sergent at 410-836-5428.
