Hunter
04/21/21
A Montana man who scammed a Cedar Rapids homeowner out of nearly $20,000 in a derecho repair scam has been arrested.
According to a release from the City, 56 year-old William Hurlbut of Belgrade agreed to repair the victim’s southeast Cedar Rapids home on September 12th after the derecho damaged the man’s roof and siding.
Two days later, the victim gave Hurlbut a down-payment of nearly $5300, with an additional $4600 on September 24th. After that, police say the victim contacted Hurlbut several times about when the work would begin. Hurlbut allegedly kept making excuses for not beginning the project.
Investigators also learned that the man provided Hurlbut with a blank check to a hardware store so that he could purchase roofing and siding materials. Instead, Hurlbut reportedly purchased some personal items with a portion of the check amount. In addition, Hurlbut scheduled delivery dates for other materials to be delivered to the victim’s home, but they never came. Hurlbut allegedly returned some of the items for cash or store credit.
After determining that nor repairs were made over the last six months, no materials were delivered and no building permits were obtained, the Linn County Attorney’s office charged Hurlbut with 1st Degree Theft. If convicted, he faces up to ten years in prison.
The Iowa Attorney General’s office reminds residents to do your research when hiring a contractor, especially one from out of town or one that shows up at your door. If you suspect criminal activity, contact the AG at 888-777-4590 or online at www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov