Texas man charged in local blacktopping scam

A Texas man was charged Wednesday in Shawano County with a felony count of theft by fraud for allegedly scamming an elderly couple out of $7,000 for blacktopping their driveway.

Mico J. Miller, 26, of Channelview, Texas, could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted.

He was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bond set by Judge Thomas Grover and was scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance Sept. 14.

Shawano County authorities received a complaint on Aug. 4 from the 78-year-old Town of Angelica couple stating that two men went to the couple’s home offering to do driveway repair and sealing.

The males were believed to be from the state of Texas with one of the men being under the age of 18.

The older male quoted the couple between $200 and $300 for the job to seal the drive way. Once completed, the couple was given a bill for over $10,000.

The couple eventually paid $7,000.

“This appeared to be very close in nature to complaints being reported to other nearby jurisdictions,” the sheriff’s department said in a news release. “During the course of the investigation the adult male who did the drive way sealing job was identified as Miller.”

Miller is also facing charges in Brown and Winnebago counties.

The sheriff’s department warned residents to be aware of similar blacktopping scams.

“County residents should be aware of anyone going door to door offering to do work,” the sheriff’s department said. “Anytime you consider hiring someone a quote should be given in writing with maximum amounts listed. It is a good idea to check out any business or worker prior to signing a contract or agreeing to or having work done.”

The Better Business Bureau has a website that lists best practices when hiring someone to do work, which includes:

• Research and gather information on the person or business.

• Ask for references.

• Ask for multiple quotes from at least three different businesses.

• Get contracts and estimates in writing.

• Verify if the person or business has a license and insurance.

• Confirm whether you need a building permit.

• Think about future service issues and what type of warranty is there.

• Arrange a payment schedule; never pay in full up front.

• Get a receipt and keep your contract.

More information can be found on BBB’s website at: https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14081-bbb-tip-hiring-a-contractor.

“You should also never be pressured into signing a contract or accepting someone to do work for you,” the sheriff’s department said. “If you feel you have been the victim of this type of offense, please call the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement.”