Delaware State Police
News Release

Easton, MD Man Arrested in Home Improvement Fraud Case

Released Monday, March 16, 2009

Rehoboth Beach – The Delaware State Police have arrested a 30-year-old Easton, Maryland resident for home improvement fraud after he failed to honor a home improvement contract with a 60-year-old Rehoboth Beach resident.

The investigation revealed John D. Barto, of Barto Property Management, agreed to install a vinyl fence at a home on Buttermilk Road in Rehoboth Beach in August of ’08 for the sum of $2820.00. The victim paid Mr. Barto a $1400.00 down payment with the expectation the work would be completed several weeks after signing the contract.

After not hearing from the business or Mr. Barto for several weeks the victim inquired as to what the problem was and learned Barto’s business apparently closed. Several attempts to contact Barto by the victim were unsuccessful. In November of ‘08, police contacted Barto to inquire as to what the problem was when he informed them he could not complete the job and that he would return the victims money.

As of Friday, March 13, 2009 Barto has not returned the money to the victim. Consequently, he was arrested on the 13^th for the following felony offenses: Home Improvement Fraud and Theft by False Pretense. He was released on a $1500.00 unsecured bail.

 

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