Serving Our Seniors Magazine Oct - Dec 2024

Janet and her husband Gene are Sandusky residents. They hired a painter to do exterior painting of their home. They learned of a painter working at a neighbor’s home. A quote for $1,500 from C Hayes Painting, LLC, based in Vermilion, was put in their mailbox. They accepted the quote. In April he was paid a $750 down payment for materials and to be put on the schedule. On June 15, 2024, he said he needed another $500 before he could begin. Janet and her husband reluctantly paid it. He completed less than 50% of the job. Despite multiple calls he never returned the calls and he never returned to complete the painting. Janet met with Dan McLaughlin, Erie County’s Financial Elder Abuse Investigator. Janet was advised to file a police report. In the meantime, Dan contacted a friend and retired attorney, Donald Harris, who knew of three very giving and caring men who said they would finish the job as volunteers. “They did a beautiful job,” said Janet. “We are so fortunate that they did this for us.” Thanks to Sherwin-Williams’ Assistant Manager Pat Dolan, District Manager Ryan Hilman, and Store Manager Colton Veler, two gallons of paint were donated, of the five gallons needed to complete the work. It was the kindness of others that gave this home improvement scam a happy ending. The next time you want to hire someone to do work at your house, CALL SERVING OUR SENIORS FIRST (419-624-1856). We will do a Better Business Bureau check and a public records check (court system and law enforcement) and give you a report, in writing, of what was found. This service is free of charge to Erie County residents, ages 60+. Janet and Gene did not do this and they wished they had. KINDNESS MATTERS: Home Improvement Scam with a Happy Ending In the October-Dec. 2023 issue of Serving Our Seniors Magazine we told you about a home improvement scam case, which Officer Stephanie McDermott, Perkins Police Department and Dan McLaughlin, Erie County Prosecutor’s Office, Financial Elder Abuse Investigator were working on, together. Perkins Police put out an arrest warrant for Timothy Jakubowski, who was charged with theft from an elderly person. The crime is Jakubowski agreed to install new gutters. The older adult paid Jakubowski nearly $4,000. Jakubowski took the money and never returned to do the work. In July 2024, Tim Jakubowski was apprehended during a traffic stop in Royal Oak, Michigan. Royal Oak Police notified Perkins Police that he is in their County jail. Officer Stephanie McDermott drove to Michigan to take him into custody. Erie County may not be able to stop financial elder abuse, but it can develop a reputation that will cause such criminals to practice their thefts elsewhere. Congratulations Officer McDermott, Perkins Police Department and Dan McLaughlin, Erie County Prosecutor’s office. You give us hope! Perkins Police Department Apprehends Culprit L-R: Rodney, Giver of Kindness; Adam, Giver of Kindness; Janet, Recipient of Kindness; Darrel Philon, Giver of Kindness; Dan McLaughlin, Financial Elder Abuse Investigator. Dan McLaughlin, Financial Elder Abuse Investigator Officer Stephanie McDermott, Perkins Police Department 15