Home Repair Fraud Charges Sought By Joliet Police

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department has filed aggravated home repair fraud charges as well as charges of theft by deception against a 46-year-old Crest Hill man. Last week, Will County Judge Chrystel Gavlin issued a warrant for the arrest of Oscar Miranda, who lives in the 1800 block of Dearborn Street.

As of May 18, Miranda has not been taken into custody. The Will County warrants website does not contain a photo of Miranda.

According to the criminal complaint, Miranda entered into a contract in the amount of $1,200 to repair a married couple's house in the 1600 block of Wildflower Drive, in the Plainfield area, last Sept. 28.

Miranda promised to install new flooring, "which the defendant did not intend to perform, and the victim is over the age of 60," the criminal complaint stated.

The theft by deception charge indicates that Miranda knowingly gained control over the cash of the victims "in excess of $500 but not exceeding $10,000" when Miranda entered into a verbal contract with the Wildflower Drive residents to install new flooring at their house "which the defendant did not perform and did not return the money."

According to the Will County bench warrant, Miranda is 5-foot-9, 210 lbs with black hair and brown eyes. The Will County judge set Miranda's bail at $15,000.