Two El Paso men are accused of running repair jobs that went off the rails and left elderly residents holding the bill. In separate cases, investigators say 53-year-old Jaime Montoya and 65-year-old Gary William Starr targeted older homeowners who needed help with basic fixes. Montoya was arrested in March and held on a $20,000 bond, while Starr was picked up on April 15 in Socorro and booked with a bond totaling $9,000.
According to KFOX14/CBS4, Montoya is accused of taking nearly $800 and a vehicle from a 70-year-old after promising to repair the car and never bringing it back. Deputies said an investigator reached out to Montoya on February 11. He allegedly acknowledged the notice, asked for the victim's address again, and said he would meet the victim on February 13. That meeting never happened. The outlet reports Montoya was already on probation for a similar offense and was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on a $20,000 bond.
How The Water-Heater Case Unfolded
In the second case, investigators say Starr showed up after a homeowner called on February 27 about a dead water heater. The victim identified Starr as the owner of CS Plumbing. Starr reportedly restarted the failing unit, then recommended a full replacement. He allegedly quoted $3,500 for a tankless water heater, and the homeowner paid $2,300 up front, with $1,200 due on completion. The installation was scheduled for March 3, but deputies say Starr never came back to finish the work and stopped answering follow-up calls. When investigators later tracked him down, they say Starr admitted he had received payment by check and cashed it, but he made no effort to complete the job or reimburse the victim.
Officials Urge Caution When Hiring Contractors
Local officials are using these arrests as a cautionary tale for families, especially those looking out for older relatives who may be eager to trust a friendly face with a toolbox. Per KVIA, residents are urged to get multiple estimates, check a contractor's insurance and licensing, insist on a written contract that spells out dates and payment terms, and keep receipts and correspondence in case a job goes sideways.
Legal Implications
Both men are charged with deceptive business practices, an offense defined in Texas law under Section 32.42 of the Penal Code. Depending on factors such as prior convictions and the amount of money involved, the charge can carry stiffer penalties. The legal elements are laid out in state codes and legal references; see Texas Penal Code §32.42 for a full breakdown. KFOX14/CBS4 reports that both suspects have faced similar allegations before and that investigators are urging residents to stay alert while these latest cases move through the courts.
Officials say anyone who believes they were targeted should file a police report and hang on to contracts, receipts, and any texts or messages that could help show what happened. Residents can contact the El Paso County Attorney's Office Criminal Unit at 915-546-2050, ext. 3034, and the El Paso Police Department at 915-832-4400 to report possible deceptive business practices, according to the El Paso County Attorney's Office.
