HAMILTON — Authorities in at least two Butler County communities are investigating nearly a dozen reports of a home-improvement scam, in which homeowners say they spent tens of thousands of dollars for work that went uncompleted.

        Fairfield Township has received one report and Hamilton police are investigating at least eight complaints that could be linked to the same contractor, officials said Thursday. The contractor offered to provide a range of services, including driveway resurfacing and basement refinishing, police said.

        “We have been led to believe that there are several possible victims here in the township,” Fairfield Township Police Chief Richard St. John said Thursday.
       

More reports expected

        Hamilton homeowners have reported being bilked out of a total of more than $67,000, Officer Dave Crawford, Hamilton police spokesman, said. The greatest individual loss was reported at $25,000.

        The offenses are reported to have occurred between April 1995 and December 2000. “I'm expecting others to come forward,” Officer Crawford said.

        Police have identified a suspect, who is not being named because no charges have been filed, Officer Crawford said.
       

"Minuscule' work

        “(The contractor) shows a pattern of doing a minuscule amount of work for a large amount of money,” Officer Crawford said.

        Anyone who has had home improvement work left unfinished is encouraged to contact the local police department to file crime reports, Officer Crawford said.

        Any affected city of Hamilton residents may call 868-5811, Ext. 2007, to file a report.

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