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Canton, Cherokee County, Ga. November 8, 2005 The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received information on November 7, 2005 that a scam very common to the Irish Travelers occurred off of Toonigh Road. A man, suspected to be an Irish Traveler, approached an elderly gentleman yesterday and attempted to sell him a paving project for his residence.
The Travelers are well known for home repair scams usually targeting the elderly. One of the scams that the Travelers are notorious for is coming to your door and telling you they have a load of hot asphalt left over from another job or that they are painting and roofing in the area and you must act quickly to receive the special price. The Travelers tend to intimidate the people during the transaction of money and the work is usually of poor quality.
Through investigation, Detectives arrested Jack Harrison, Jr, 36 years of age of Acworth, Ga. Harrison is charged with 2 counts of possession of methamphetamine, possession of Schedule IV narcotic, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, entering auto, permitting unlicensed driver to drive, allowing another to violate State law, suspended license, open container, expired tag. Harrison also had two dump trucks, another vehicle as well as equipment impounded that he was using to scam residents. Harrison is currently being held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.
Sheriff Roger Garrison would like residents of Cherokee County to know,” the Sheriff’s Office will have zero tolerance for the Irish Travelers and their scams.” Residents should not feel pressured when solicited by someone who wants to do work at their residence. Take the time to ask for and verify references and work permits. If you decide to have services done to your property do not pay for the services in advance and do not pay more than the original agreed upon price.
If you feel that you have been approached by a group of Irish Travelers, please call the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 770-928-0239.
