As the election season rapidly approaches, I have noticed more news stories regarding activities of the Sheriff’s Office. I watched one such story last night on KWTV (News 9) (story linked at tope of page) and immediately recognized it as an incident which had occurred several weeks ago. Although I have no idea why the delay in getting this bit of news to the media, I could not help but once again be amazed at the claims of the incumbent.
As mentioned previously, my hat is continually off to the men and women doing the job and once again they did what was expected of them. I am also glad the offending party was caught and more victims were not created. However, I can’t help but see the absurdity in the statement made by the incumbent in the news story. The telling statement was:
Edwards and his deputy found numerous violations with Professional Asphalt's equipment and vehicles. They wrote them over $2500 in fines and impounded their equipment. The Sheriff also gave the crew a strong message to take home.
"I told the contractor that if I was to ever catch him working here in Canadian County again, I would do more than just impound his equipment," Edwards said. "He'd got to jail for defrauding the elderly. He assured me he would never work in Canadian County again."According to the video, the victim learned from two other neighbors they too had also fell victim to the company’s alleged fraudulent behavior. Therefore, considering you have three possible victims in the scam, the answer is not to do the easiest thing possible, write the company traffic tickets. Under the Home Repair Fraud Act, found in Title 15, Section 765.2 of the Oklahoma State Statues, the described behavior is actually a crime, specifically a felony crime punishable by up to ten years in prison.
I know all too well the frequency and havoc that these con-artists, often referred to as travelers or gypsies cause to unsuspecting people, particularly the elderly. In one particular case I worked several years ago, I am certain felony arrest warrants are still outstanding for these scam artists. Self-imposed banishment or merely threatening, this highly mobile group of individuals does nothing in the terms of deterrence of these people. This statement may make a good sound bite on television but reality is definitely not on the incumbent’s side. Finally, I would be interested in seeing what actually happens to this group through the court system on the action which was actually taken. The seizure and impoundment of the equipment in this matter is highly suspect but time shall tell the legalities and necessities of such action.
I found some good warning signs for these types of con-artists that people should keep in mind in the event they ever have these too good to be true bargains offered to them:Here are 7 asphalt paving warning signs:
- Selling door-to-door: Reputable asphalt contractors will sometimes offer their services if they are doing a legitimate job in the immediate area. Always ask for references.
- Claiming they have leftover asphalt from another job: Professional asphalt contractors will know, with great accuracy, how much paving material is needed to complete a project. Rarely will they have leftover material. Some of the reasons a contractor might have left over material are due to weather, equipment problems, cancellations and etc.
- Push you to make a quick decision: Reputable contractors will provide a written estimate that will be valid for weeks or months. If the great deal they are offering you today is not available tomorrow or next week it may be a scam.
- No contract offered: Insist upon a written contract specifying in detail, the work to be performed and the agreed upon price.
- Cash only sales: Most reputable contractors take checks or credit cards and don’t require cash-only terms.
- Deals that seem to be good to be true: If the quoted price seems very low, chances are the quality of the work will also be quite low.
- Unmarked truck: Often the trucks they travel in are unmarked or they have an out of town address and phone number. A little research will reveal that they have no permanent address and the phone number is often an answering machine.
This was issued by the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office on December 13th, 2011 regarding a possible "Gypsy" paving scam they had came across:
ReplyDeleteDeputies issue warning about possible ‘gypsy’ paving scam
Pottawatomie County sheriff’s deputies are issuing an alert to area residents about the possibility of a traveling “gypsy” paving scam that could be in this area.
Capt. Travis Palmer said activities that occurred Tuesday prompted deputies to warn residents to be cautious about those offering paving work, especially from solicitors that go door-to-door willing to do asphalt or roofing jobs for a cheap price. Palmer said what they’ll likely get is substandard work and materials as someone tries to scam more money from them.
“Be aware — if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Palmer said. “It’s nothing but a scam.”
Although no official criminal report was made Tuesday, Palmer said deputies are certain they encountered those attempting such a scam in this area. Typically, in a “gyspy” scam, the workers allegedly travel around to different areas and agree to do an asphalt job for a price, but then raise that price once the so-called job is complete.
To get their money, “they use intimidation factors...and often target older people,” Palmer said.
Deputies checked a complaint about some possible workers and, upon contacting them, found workers offered to “donate” a parking lot job they had started.
“It’s a tell-tale sign when they’re willing to donate,” Palmer said. But since “no money ever changed hands,” he said there was no criminal offense committed.
Palmer, who said potential scammers like these could come around any time of year, said they may be more active now because of the Christmas holiday.
“These people are doing this to get Christmas money...instead of stealing by breaking into homes,” he said.
In addition to offering paving work, sometimes these “gypsy” scams can involve roof work or repairs, Palmer said.
If residents hire someone or a company for any type of work, authorities suggest having written estimates or contracts and Palmer also said it’s a good idea for residents to contact the Better Business Bureau beforehand to check out a company thoroughly.
Deputies have notified authorities in neighboring counties about this possible scam, Palmer said.
Anyone seeking further information can contact Palmer at the sheriff’s office, 275-2526.
I'm shocked that David Beaty has represented himself as "Sheriff." Posing as a police officer is a serious crime punishable by up to five years in prison. I'd also like to point out that Beaty has repeatedly used the title "Sheriff" in a missleading manner in all of his campaign signs. As a concerned citizen, I might suggest that Mr. Beaty refrain from this practice, as it may result in criminal prosecution.
ReplyDelete“Anonymous” thanks for your thoughts, after reading your post I went ahead and took time to re-evaluate our campaign materials. I am unsure what campaign signs you are specifically speaking about as far as the misrepresentation. I assume you are speaking of our window decals which most have my name, “Sheriff” and “For a new Sheriff in town” printed with the word “new” underlined. We do have a few similar decals that did not get the bottom portion printed when produced. We have added the word “vote” in a diagonal pattern in order to avoid problems as you have pointed out.
ReplyDeleteAlso, we do have a few printed signs that we used in the El Reno Christmas parade but this sign reads “elect”. In this parade as well as the Czech Festival in Yukon and Western Days in Mustang, we utilized a banner with my name. This particular banner has “elect” which goes around the border of the entire sign.
As far as the concern about posing as a police officer, Impersonation of a peace officer is found within Title 21 O.S. 1533 and it appears you are directing your comments towards a sham legal process, as defined in section H of the statute. Otherwise, the offense you cite is a misdemeanor offense. I am not claiming any legal authority, attempting to take any legal action or issue any purported legal documents. So it is beyond me why you would believe this could even be a criminal violation.
I have felt using words in the campaign such as: “elect”, “vote” and “new” (that is underlined) with the word “Sheriff” would indicate to most people this was not in support of the incumbent nor would it convey I was currently holding office. I do think it would be difficult to campaign and ask for a person’s vote if you do not tell them the office which you are seeking. I am not seeking the election of County Clerk or other such office and I think it would be silly if the word Sheriff was not in the campaign literature to readily identify the office you seek along with your name. I do wish to say, I would have preferred to identify the county but because of space limitations, we chose not to place it on the window decals.
I will however keep your thought in mind and continue to ensure we are running an honest campaign directed at the issues. If you are actually sincere in your concerns, you can contact me about specific items and I will evaluate them. Again, thanks for your comments.
Sounds like David Beaty, the future sheriff, struck a nerve! The same David Beaty that has been and continues to be one the best legal researchers, investigators, and commissioned law enforcement officers in this county! Boys you know what they say...."be careful of the toes you step on today cause they may be connected to the butt you kiss tommorow!"
ReplyDeleteAnd after more thought and "chewing the fat" on this, one would have to ask why in the heck would David Beaty want anyone to think he was involved with the incumbent sheriff now? What is going on in this county now is pure comedy unfortunately at the tax payers' expense. There is absolutely zero leadership coming from the front office. The wasteful expenditure of money can be compared to the current Obama administration. The jail situation is a joke and the hardheadedness of Edwards has caused the other elected officials to turn up their noses at him. The majority of the deputies have very little confidence in Edwards and hope he chooses not to run for re-election. At least that way, the employees could maintain some respect for the man. Please don't get me wrong, Edwards is a good person at heart but, he is in a position that requires confidence in his own competancy which can only come through experience that he does not have! I would venture to say that right now David Beaty has more knowledge of what happens at the sheriff's office than Edwards ever has. For the deputies and other employees, the choice is clear: VOTE BEATY FOR SHERIFF! We hope you will join us in that choice!
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