The FBI is seeking Orange, Chatham and Durham County victims who may have been defrauded by a husband and wife doing home improvement projects in the last six years.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations Raleigh Resident Agency is investigating the actions of Jorge Alberto Garcia and his wife, Helen Smith-Flores, who have been charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of North Carolina in connection with a scheme that defrauded at least 50 elderly victims.
A release from the agency estimates the pair illegally took approximately $2 million while operating J&J Home Improvement and JH Home Improvements, Inc., between December 2014 and April 2020. The companies largely operated in Durham, Orange and Chatham counties.
According to the FBI, Garcia approached elderly victims at their residencies and offered his home improvement services. It says he took large payment for construction jobs that went either unfinished or were never started. The release describes the victims as largely living on fixed incomes and often having significant health issues.
Garcia was charged with five counts of criminal contempt in Wake County on February 14 and was given a sentence of 120 days in prison. The charges stemmed from Garcia violating a court order he signed with the North Carolina Licensing Board of General Contractors in 2017, according to ABC 11.
The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes that it investigates and provide these victims with information, assistance 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. The FBI may contact anyone who submits their information and may be asked to provide additional information.
The full release from the FBI can be read here.
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