Crime & Safety
Hurricane Sandy Scammer Arrested By Stamford Police
The man fled the state after warrants became active for his arrest, police said.
WESTPORT, CT — A man who scammed several people during the Hurricane Sandy aftermath was arrested by Westport Police after he had fled the state in an apparent attempt to avoid prosecution, according to police.
John Mech, 56, offered to sell and install electric generators at various residences throughout Fairfield County. He accepted a down payment of $6,000 with a balance of $9,750 that was due upon completion from a Westport victim, according to police.
Mech didn't provide a generator and after several attempts to contact him the victim went to police. An arrest warrant was completed for Mech in December 2013.
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There were also outstanding warrants from Monroe and Stamford Police for similar incidents, Westport Police said.
Mech was taken into custody in Seaside, Oregon after being stopped for illegal fishing on Sept. 15. He was extradited to Connecticut by Stamford Police for six counts of third-degree larceny and four counts of home improvement violations.
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He was processed on Sept. 21 by Westport Police and was charged with third-degree larceny and home improvement violation.
He is being held on a total of $61,000 in bonds.
Image via Westport Police
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