(CINCINNATI) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that a Hamilton County Grand Jury has indicted a Greater Cincinnati man on 22 counts including theft from the elderly.
“This case is part of our ongoing effort to collaborate with local law enforcement and prosecutors to hold scam artists criminally accountable,” Attorney General DeWine said. “This individual is accused of taking advantage of an elderly woman under the guise of offering home improvement services.”
Prosecutors allege that William Modafari, also known as William Montuano, was a home improvement contractor who took advantage of an 88-year-old woman to the tune of more than $40,000 by doing little or no work, overcharging for minor repairs, or charging for items that never were used at her home.
On Wednesday, William Modafari was indicted on the following counts:
- Theft from the Elderly, a felony of the second degree (1 count)
- Theft from the Elderly, a felony of the third degree (2 counts)
- Theft from the Elderly, a felony of the fourth degree (14 counts)
- Theft from the Elderly, a felony of the fifth degree (2 counts)
- Misuse of Credit Card, a felony of the fourth degree (3 counts)
Attorneys with the Economic Crimes Unit, a division of the Consumer Protection Section, were appointed special prosecutors in the case by the Hamilton County Prosecutor. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine created the Economic Crimes Unit in 2011 to identify criminal conduct in consumer fraud cases and assist prosecuting attorneys in holding scammers criminally accountable. To date, 83 people have been convicted.
Consumers who suspect a scam should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
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Documents
Indictment (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840