A contractor who used a home repair scheme to take more than $3 million from elderly residents in Orange, Durham and Chatham Counties faces seven years in prison for his plan.

Jorge Alberto Garcia pled guilty in federal court on Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of failure to file income tax returns.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, Garcia would approached elderly victims at private residences from fall 2015 to April 2020 to offer home improvement services before taking large payments for construction jobs. Then, as the jobs went either unfinished or failed to be started, Garcia and his wife, Helen Smith-Flores, would either return small portions of the money given to them or write checks that would bounce.

The FBI reports most of Garcia’s victims “had physical or mental infirmities” and that he never held a state general contractor’s license.

“We will not tolerate elder fraud. It is despicable conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin in a release from the Justice Department. “I commend the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations Division, and the local law enforcement agencies involved in his investigation who helped stop this abuse and bring about today’s plea.”

The FBI warned the community about Garcia’s actions in May, saying it is legally mandated to identify victims of the federal crimes and provide information, services and resources. Those who believe they are victims of this scheme or may have been affected are urged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or e-mail NCHIVictims@fbi.gov.

Garcia could face additional jail time if the court does not accept his plea bargain during his June 15 sentencing in Winston-Salem, according to the Justice Department. His charges carry a maximum of twenty-two years of imprisonment and a term of supervised release up to three years.

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