3 GA men wanted for multi-state door-to-door pine straw scam
Three men from Georgia are wanted in connection to a multi-state door-to-door pine straw scam, according to the Lancaster Police Department.
The scam has gone on since at least 2020 and has targeted residents from South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
The suspects – Joseph Butler, Tyderrius White, and Anthony Bell Jr. – approach homeowners offering landscaping services with $6 per bale of pine straw. Police said the victims were not given an estimate prior to the work beginning and that the suspects used an exaggerated amount of bales.
When the victims questioned the amount owed, the suspects allegedly became aggressive and demanded them to pay, according to police.
The men are facing the following charges:
- Obtain property under false pretenses, value more than $2,000 but less than $10,000
- Strong Arm Robbery
- Criminal Conspiracy
Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. Anyone who may have been a victim or has information on this case is asked to call the Lancaster Police Department at 803-283-3313. If you see any of the suspects, call police immediately.
