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David Anthony Desell, 33, of Bel Air, faces a string of criminal charges after being accused of preying on elderly residents by posing as a credible contractor, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office (HCSO).
Investigators say Desell is not a licensed Maryland Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) and lacks insurance, yet presented himself as a legitimate service provider to unsuspecting victims.
Desell’s arrest followed an investigation launched on Thursday, Oct. 31, after the adult child of a local victim contacted the sheriff's office to report concerns that Desell had taken advantage of her elderly mother by exaggerating or outright fabricating home repair needs, detectives said.
According to officials, the scam started when Desell allegedly approached an elderly resident in Bel Air in mid-September, offering to make repairs he claimed were urgently needed.
The investigation revealed that Desell used scare tactics to pressure his victims, highlighting supposed “deficiencies” that posed urgent risks, including structural issues and potential collapses.
In one instance, Desell allegedly charged a victim $3,124 for a high-end Coachman brand garage door, only to install a cheaper $418 replica.
Investigators say he provided falsified documents, invoices, and photos to convince the victims of the supposed necessity of these repairs.
Detectives later identified a second victim, living on the same street, who was approached by Desell.
In her case, officials said that Desell claimed there was a crack in her foundation that could cause her home to collapse during the winter if left unrepaired.
He then allegedly presented the victim with fake paperwork to back up his claims, pushing her to agree to costly, unnecessary work.
Desell was arrested at his Bel Air home on Tuesday, Nov. 5 without incident by the HCSO Warrant Apprehension Unit and later released on $5,000 bond following his initial court appearance, officials said.
As the investigation continues, detectives believe additional victims may be involved and are urging anyone who suspects they may have been defrauded by Desell to come forward.
Harford County Sheriff’s Office Det. Sergent can be reached at 410-836-5428 for reporting.
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