Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William Crotty

State Police Detectives Arrest Milton Man for Home Improvement Fraud

Date Posted: Monday, October 21st, 2024

Delaware State Police have arrested 46-year-old Christopher Russell of Milton, Delaware for home improvement fraud following multiple investigations.

Beginning in March of 2024, Troop 3 and Troop 4 Financial Crimes Detectives began investigating Christopher Russell of Great Outdoors Sunrooms and Shade Solutions for home improvement fraud. During the investigations, detectives learned that Russell had signed contracts with five victims, in Kent and Sussex Counties, to do construction work and received over $118,000 in payments. In all cases, Russell either never began or never completed these projects.

Detectives obtained warrants for his arrest and on October 18, 2024, Russell turned himself in at Troop 7. He was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $23,000 unsecured bond.

Home Improvement Fraud Value is $50,000-$100,000 (Felony)
Home Improvement Fraud $1,500 or More (Felony)
Home Improvement Fraud by False Pretense $1,500 or More (Felony)
Home Improvement Fraud by False Pretense $1,500 or More, Victim is over 62 (Felony) – 2 counts
Theft over $1,500, Victim is over 62 (Felony) – 2 counts
Theft over $1,500 (Felony) – 2 counts
Theft by False Pretense over $1,500 (Felony)

Detectives are asking anyone who may have been defrauded by Russell in a similar manner to please contact Troop 3 Financial Crimes Unit for Kent County by calling (302)-697-4454 or Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit for Sussex County by calling (302)-856-5850. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.