The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A man in Connecticut was arrested on several charges after an investigation led the police to believe he had charged people seeking his limousine services and then failed to provide them with rides or refunds.
According to reports, the Eastern Rentals & Transportation limousine service company posted an advertisement on Facebook, and multiple people booked rides with the company. They were required to pay in advance and reportedly told that if they had to cancel, they would be issued a refund if they did so at least 72 hours before their scheduled ride.
Throughout the summer, the authorities received several reports from people claiming they had booked a reservation with the company, but their limo never showed up. They also reported that they were not issued refunds and had trouble getting in touch with anyone from the company when they tried. Additionally, individuals made Facebook posts warning people about the alleged scam.
Portland and East Lyme police began investigating the reports, and the first caller said she believed a 25-year-old man from Coventry was the owner of the business. When they talked to him about the refund he allegedly owed her, he reportedly said he attempted to Venmo the money but was unable to get it to work. He was instructed to find a way to return her payment, but the woman called back the following month and stated that the man had not done so.
The police posited that the people were being scammed, and on October 7, the man, who reportedly did not have the required livery endorsement to provide ride services legally, was taken into custody. He is facing multiple charges, including fifth-degree larceny, fifth-degree telephone fraud, and operating a livery service without a permit. It was reported that he was released after posting bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.