Warrant issued for Richeyville contractor
DUNBAR TWP. -District Justice Dwight Shaner issued an arrest warrant Tuesday for a Richeyville contractor charged with defrauding 18 homeowners out of $6,850 last summer. Dunbar Police Chief Mike Garlowich said Timothy Adams failed to show up for a preliminary hearing Tuesday after his wife called Shaner’s office and said he was in the hospital. Garlowich said Shaner earlier this year gave Adams the opportunity to make restitution to those he had allegedly defrauded, but the contractor still hasn’t completed the work he promised to do.
Garlowich said Dunbar police charged Adams, 41, of 50 Richeyville Road in January after he allegedly received payment for sewer-line installation and didn’t complete the work.
Shaner initially imposed a $75,000 percentage bond on Adams that would have required him to submit $7,500 or face imprisonment. However, after reviewing the documentation and conferring with Garlowich, Shaner reset the amount at $7,500 unsecured bond.
According to the affidavit filed with Shaner’s office, Adams initially contracted with Walter Lewandowski of 114 Memorial St. in June to install a sewerage tap for a discounted fee if he would permit supplies for additional residents to be placed on his property.
At the same time, police said Adams contracted with 17 other borough residents to install sewerage tap-ins, with all homeowners turning over specified down payments for the work. The fees ranged from $150 to $500.
Shaner said since Adams didn’t show up for the hearing, a warrant for his arrest will be issued.