In Placer County, a reported fraud has led to the arrest of a man accused of scamming residents with a landscaping hustle. According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office's social media post, on May 18, deputies took action following a fraud report at a home on South Walnut in Loomis, where a resident claimed to have paid a deposit for work that was never started.
According to the Placer County Sheriff's Office, during the investigation, detectives unraveled the deceit, identifying the suspect who introduced himself as "Austin," but was David Hitchman, a 34-year-old man already on probation and strapped with a GPS ankle monitor, Hitchman's movements were tracked back to the victim's residence corroborating the time he had committed to commence the landscaping services. On June 26, he was arrested and now faces charges including theft by pretense.
The Sheriff's Office highlighted the case as ongoing and noted additional victims have been found. They’ve urged anyone who might have been a victim of Hitchman’s to contact their investigation tip line at (530) 889-7830, offering a chance for more residents to come forward and seek justice for their grievances.
Hitchman's arrest was aided by a combination of technological surveillance and investigative work, with his GPS monitor placing him at the scene of the incident. Authorities confirmed that the device played a key role in linking him to the crime. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly in trades where upfront payments are common.
