Contractor hit with fraud charges

An Oshawa contractor is facing several charges after Durham residents complained they did not receive work they had paid for.

Police were first contacted May 17 by a Pickering resident, who said he had paid a deposit to the contractor in September for concrete work at his house. Advertising as “The Cement Finisher,” police say the contractor never returned after receiving the deposit.

Investigators later determined this was the same suspect that had been reported by another Pickering resident, as well as in Whitby. According to police, both had paid a deposit for a stamped concrete patio. Police say the suspect was also suspected of cashing two forged cheques at a local bank.

The suspect was arrested without incident on May 22.

A 31-year-old male of Labradour Drive has been charged with five counts of fraud under $5,000 and two counts of uttering a forged document.

Police want to ensure there are no other victims. Anyone with further information on this case is asked to call Det. Const. Williams at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 2526.