"Crooked Contractor" Accused Of Scamming $50,000 From Delco Family
MEDIA, Pa. (CBS) -- A Drexel Hill man is now facing theft and identity theft charges after investigators say he scammed a family out of more than $50,000.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan calls Vincent Cottrell a "crooked contractor" and tells Eyewitness News the 39-year-old worked as a web designer for company J.D. Kelly Corporation, but allegedly misrepresented himself as a contractor with the company.
"We've never seen a case where a contractor has convinced another contractor to allow him to create a new website and then fraudulently has the information redirected to himself ," Whelan said.
Whelan says while allegedly redirecting the web traffic he met the victims who were looking to add a 2-story addition to their Drexel Hill home. In total, the couple paid more than $50,000 and waited months but work was never started.
Prosecutors say they are aware of other complaints against Cottrell. Jeff Marmon of Havertown says he paid Cottrell about $100,000 for renovation work for his home.
"The workmanship is despicable ," Marmon said, adding "This guy puts a gray cloud over honesty, integrity, and giving you your money's worth."
Cottrell is out on bail, no one answered the door at his Drexel Hill home for comment.
