Montco Man Charged With Defrauding Hundreds Of Home Buyers
NORRISTOWN, Pa (CBS) – Montgomery County officials have arrested a man for allegedly defrauding hundreds of home buyers out of more than $18,000.
On Thursday, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced the arrest of Joseph T. Michalski. The Souderton man was the owner of Sherlock Holmes Inspection Services.
Police say Michalski was selling home inspection services that included water, termite and radon testing. After examining his business records, authorities found that 138 victims paid Michalski to perform testing, in which they never received.
"Joseph Michalski, doing business as Sherlock Holmes Inspection Services, has put these victims in jeopardy by falsely performing tests that could impact their health and the health of their families," said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. "Unfortunately, purchasers went ahead and bought the home based upon the results the defendant provided, and they now may be living in a home with unhealthy levels of radon, which is linked to lung cancer."
Buyers in seven counties were reportedly affected. They are Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh and Philadelphia.
Montgomery County officials were alerted of Michalski by a home buyer in January 2016. The buyer alleges that they were billed for water testing that was never performed.
He has been charged with felony theft, receiving stolen property and other related charges. He is currently being held on $20,000 bail.
At this time, police say they do believe there is a possibility of additional victims they are unaware of.
Officials ask anyone who believes they may be a victim of Sherlock Homes Inspection Services to contact Detective Joe Kelly of the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at (610)-278-3368.
