After receiving numerous complaints, investigators discovered the two men allegedly targeted the elderly. Now both Christopher Jay Caldwell, 49, and Scotty Matthew Caldwell, 36, face allegations that they exploited the elderly for money.
The two men are accused of offering to cut shrubs or trees for elderly homeowners for a fee. Often the two Caldwells would ask for part of the money upfront but then never returned to complete the task.
"We received many complaints they were getting money and not returning to do the job. It seemed like all the victims were over 65 years old," Sheriff Mark Schrader said.
The sheriff said some of the elderly victims would not report being scammed. Sometimes a family member would discover the Caldwells' scheme and report it, the sheriff said.
"Most of it was uncovered by family members," Schrader said.
Reports about the Caldwells' scheme came from residents across the county. In June, an 83-year-old man on Scoggins Trail was approached by Christopher Caldwell and asked to do yard work.
"The work has never been performed. [Chris] has two prior theft convictions," a warrant states.
Christopher Caldwell disputes the charges. He says the sheriff and investigators have it wrong. The culprit is Scotty, according to Christopher.
Scotty is accused of offering to cut trees and brush for an elderly man on Dover's Cut Road, Lyerly. That happened in October 2015 and the work hasn't been performed.
"The work still has not been performed after being contacted multiple times. [Scotty] has two prior theft convictions, this being his third offense," a warrant states.
"I don't know how they would identify who to target, but they would approach the person and ask to do some yard work," Sheriff Schrader said.
Christopher was charged with three counts of exploitation and intimidation of disabled or elder adult and three charges of theft by deception.
Scotty was charged with exploitation and intimidation of disabled or elder adult and theft by deception, according to jail reports.
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Two Summerville Men Face Felony Charges
I'm glad to see these scammers get caught and charged.
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