(Katrina) Contractor arrested during storm victim's meeting [View All]

April 8, 2006

Contractor arrested during storm victims' meeting

By Chris Joyner
chris.joyner@jackson.gannett.com


State and federal prosecutors announced this week more Hurricane Katrina-related fraud arrests, including the arrest of a contractor at a meeting called for homeowners to discuss home repair fraud.

Joseph Patrick Gately, 38, of Milford, Mass., was arrested Tuesday in Biloxi and charged with two counts of embezzlement and one count of fraud. In addition, Gately faces one count of being a fugitive and one count of failure to register as a convicted felon. Gately was being held in the Harrison County jail in lieu of $202,000 in bonds. No court date has been scheduled.

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood said the arrest was unusual. "About 35 people were having a meeting about this guy who was taking their money," Hood said. "This guy shows up, and he starts lying so much that our investigator arrested him on the spot."

Gately is charged with embezzlement and fraud in connection with money he received for home repair jobs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Homeowners complained that Gately accepted money but either did not complete the work or never began the job.

More at link below.

SIGNS OF A SCAM

Strangers arriving at your door offering to do repairs - often arriving in an unmarked truck or van.

Door-to-door salespeople claiming, "We've just finished a job nearby and have material left over so we can do the job for half the price."

A post office box address, with no street address, or a telephone number that is just an answering service.

High pressure sales tactics.

Refusal to give you a written estimate, contract or references.

Contractors who want to rush your decisions.

Requirements for a large down payment.

Source: State Attorney General's office


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