HomeNewsCouple arrested for scams

Couple arrested for scams

A husband and wife who allegedly tried to use a home repair scam to rip off a 92-year-old Morrell Park man last Sunday ended up behind bars when a quick-acting police officer caught them red-handed.

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One of the suspects was allegedly carrying a list of other homeowners he had approached previously. Detectives used the list to charge him with a second home repair scam he allegedly had committed in Castor Gardens early last month.

Sgt. Francis Barclay went to the 3200 block of Morrell Ave. at 1:22 p.m. on Sunday in response to a report of a home invasion. The 92-year-old resident told Barclay that a man approached him outside the home and offered to repair his roof for a discounted rate. When the victim entered his house, the suspect followed him inside without permission, police said. A woman then approached them both and asked the victim if her child could use his bathroom. While the victim was speaking to the woman, the man went upstairs, purportedly to “check the roof.”

When Barclay arrived, the woman was still downstairs. The man then descended the stairs proclaiming that the victim’s “estimate” was ready.

Police detained both intruders and inspected the home. A locked cabinet had been pried open and two change jars removed, police said. Police arrested Allen Johns, 21, and Tami Johns, 26, who claimed they live on the 3600 block of Tyson Ave. in Mayfair. The block does not exist.

Detective Terri Brown began to investigate the names and addresses on Allen Johns’ list. The detective found a 68-year-old woman from the 6900 block of Horrocks St. who claimed that on May 3, she paid Allen Johns $100 to repair her garage door, but Johns never showed up to do the job. When the woman contacted Johns, he allegedly demanded an additional $40 from her to start the work.

Both defendants were charged with burglary, conspiracy, trespassing, theft, receiving stolen property and harassment for last Sunday’s incident. Allen Johns was charged with theft, receiving stolen property and harassment for the May 3 case. Allen Johns remains in prison in lieu of $800,000 bail. Tami Johns was freed after posting 10 percent of $10,000 bail. They are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 16. ••

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