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Crime Prevention Alert: Tree Service Fraud

The Wyoming Police Department has obtained information about an individual representing several tree companies, who targets the elderly by going up to a residence (unsolicited) and telling them that they have some trees that need attention and then inflating and overcharging for the service. Reports suggest that this individual has been very aggressive in his approach.  The “companies” associated with this individual and his crew, have gone by the names of “Trees Unlimited”, “Mid-Ohio Tree & Mulch”, and “Tri-State Forestry”, operating from the Columbus, OH area down through Louisville, KY.  There have been a number of victims of this fraud in our neighboring community of Springfield Township.  

The individuals associated with these frauds are: Jason Johnson, male-white, 28 YOA, subject having active warrants for frauds stemming from his tree cutting service. He has an extensive criminal history.  A maroon colored 1992 Chevrolet pickup bearing Ohio plate PHA5873 is believed to be associated with these individuals and has been observed in both Springfield and Deerfield Townships.

Tips 

If you need to have work done you should contact the Better Business Bureau for a list of reputable companies and you should obtain at least three free quotes/estimates before having any work done by a contractor.

Soliciting in Wyoming

The following ordinance prohibits soliciting in Wyoming:

733.01 UNINVITED PEDDLERS OR SOLICITORS

a)     No solicitor, peddler, hawker, itinerant merchant or transient vendor of merchandise, shall go in or upon a private residence, not having been requested or invited to do so by the owner or occupant of such private residence, for the purpose of soliciting orders for the sale of goods, wares and merchandise, or disposing of, or peddling or hawking the same.  (Ord. 501-1959.  Passed 4-20-59.)

     (b)     Section 733.01 shall not apply to religious, charitable or political groups, organizations or individuals.  (Ord. 20-2005.  Passed 12-19-05.)

If you come into contact with either of these individuals or companies and they are soliciting, or if you have additional questions, please contact the Wyoming Police Department at 821-0141.  

Chief Gary J. Baldauf