Bayonne PD Arrests Danny Eli of Edison for Scamming Resident with over $200,000 for Roof Repairs

The Bayonne Police Department announces the arrest of 34 year-old Danny Eli of Old Post Rd., Edison, NJ on 04/07/2020.  Eli was charged with theft by deception and possession of a fraudulent document after being identified as the actor of the following incident that was reported on 04/06/2020.

On 04/06/2020 at 12:34 pm, a 65 year old male victim of West 48th Street reported that in January of 2020, a male rang his doorbell and introduced himself as “Manny Thompson”.  The male, later identified as Danny Eli, explained that he performed home repairs and asked if the victim needed any repairs done to his home.  The victim asked Eli to fix a leak in the residence, to which Eli agreed to fix for a price of $1,100.00. The victim paid Eli this initial fee and Eli proceeded to make improper repairs.  After realizing that the leak was not fixed, the victim contacted Eli again to address the problem.  Over the course of 10 more home visits, Eli obtained an additional $200,000.00 for leak and unnecessary foundation repairs around the home, billing the victim for 1,900 gallons of Flex Seal household sealant.  The victim reported the situation to the police after Eli insistently called the victim, demanding an additional $15,000.00 as the balance for the work done. 

An immediate and aggressive investigation was initiated by the Bayonne Police Department Detective Bureau.  After speaking with the victim, it was confirmed that the amount the victim had paid far exceeded the cost of such repairs.  On 04/07/2020, less than 24 hours after the incident was reported, detectives were able to intercept Eli as he responded to the victim’s home to collect the $15,000.00 balance. During the investigation, it was learned that Eli possessed a fraudulent identification and had, indeed, charged and collected over $200,000.00 for repairs that were not properly made.  It was also discovered that Eli had numerous past arrests in multiple jurisdictions involving various methods of deception.

Citizens beware! Transient criminals posing as roofers, pavers, seal coaters, tree trimmers, or some other laborer travel from city to city, driving through neighborhoods while looking for victims, mostly the elderly and other members of our vulnerable population.  Sometimes they offer to pave your driveway, repair your roof, or paint your house with supplies left over from another job.  This is just a scam!  The repair work is rarely completed as promised, completed very quickly, the quality is poor, and the repairs usually cost more than the original estimate.  Before home repairs are made, deal with and compare estimates from several reputable companies. If you are suspicious of the repair person, call local law enforcement immediately and give descriptions of the person and vehicle.  In the above case, the victim kept meticulous records of payments and noted phone numbers and license plate numbers which all aided in the investigation.    

Here are some warning signs to be aware of to help you spot a scam:

–  The worker drives an unmarked truck or van with an out-of-state license plate

–  The worker has no business identification, local address or telephone number

–  The worker offers a “special rate” if you sign today

–  The worker wants upfront cost/fees or accepts only cash

–  No written estimates or contacts are provided

–  The worker does not have any references

–  The worker cannot provide any contractor’s license, permits, insurance, or bonding                                                                          information.

If you are planning to hire a contractor, make sure the contractor is registered, bonded, and insured.  Check the contractor’s references, solicit several written bids, and check the business through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs.

Rest assured, the Bayonne Police Department takes all crimes seriously, especially those preying on our most vulnerable.  Should you be the victim of a crime like this or any crime, the men and women of the Bayonne Police Department are here for you.  We will investigate and we will bring those responsible to justice.  Stay healthy and safe and look out for one another.