by Dave Faherty
A 102-year-old World War II veteran from Morganton fell victim to a serial conman who has a history of taking advantage of the elderly, according to the Morganton police.
Up until last year, the veteran, whose family asked that we don’t share his name, said he used to cut the grass at his Burke County home.
Morganton Police Department investigators told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty the 102-year-old man hired Joseph Civitello to do some painting and window repair at his home. He agreed to pay Civitello more than $700 for the work.
According to police, Civitello did some of the work, but didn’t finish everything that was in the contract, including replacing a window.
“It kind of upset me. It got me aggravated, but there was nothing I could do about it, because he done beat me out of it,” the 102-year-old said. “I turned him into the law, and I don’t know what they’re going to do with him. They should do something.”
Civitello was charged with exploitation of the elderly and obtaining property by false pretenses.
Police said their investigation revealed several civil complaints against Joseph’s Home Improvements, Civitello’s company. The majority of grievances involved the elderly, according to investigators.
According to court document, Civitello advertised in the local paper, promising discounts for seniors.
Channel 9 learned Civitello has at least six other lawsuits filed against him. Judges have ordered him to repay more than $20,000.
Later Tuesday,
Civitello contacted Faherty and said there was a mix up with his
workers and he was willing to pay back the $750. He also said he was
working on the other judgements as well.
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