Hilltown Police have announced the arrest of a Northampton County man who allegedly scammed an elderly woman into an impromptu paving project and then charged her more than 10 times the agreed-upon price.
Richard Squires Jr., 35, was taken into custody on Thursday — less than two weeks after investigators put out a call for public assistance — and arraigned on felony charges of deceptive business practices, conspiracy to commit deceptive business practices, making false statements to induce an agreement, conspiracy to make false statements to induce an agreement, receiving stolen property, conspiracy to receive stolen property, criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, in connection with the August 2020 incident.
Magisterial District Judge set bail at 10% of $100,000 cash, at which point Squires was transported to the Bucks County Correctional Facility after failing to post bail, according to court records.
Police said that on Aug. 25, 2020, they began an investigation into deceptive business practices after it was reported that an 83-year-old Hilltown Township resident was scammed by Squires and Saveway Paving in Northampton. The victim told police that she was working outside in her garden when Squires approached her and advised that he had some leftover black top and offered to repair the cracks in her driveway, the report states.
Police said the victim was under the impression that the impromptu project would cost approximately $300, however when the work was completed, Squires allegedly presented the woman with a $5,500 bill. The victim told police that the workers were aggressive and pressured her into paying the bill, which she did, according to the report.
After a lengthy investigation, police were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Squires. Court records indicate the charges were filed on March 12, however police released the information on Monday morning.
North Penn Now has not received a response to our request for comment from Saveway Paving.
Anyone who believes they were victimized by Squires or his business, or who may know his current whereabouts, is asked to contact Officer James T. Browne at [email protected].
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause.
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