MADERA, CA (KMJ) – A contractor from Oakhurst is accused of targeting older victims in Madera county – and there may be more.
Beginning in August of 2018, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office received several reports of fraud regarding well pump services in various areas within Eastern Madera County.
Detectives say 38-year-old Oakhurst resident, Marc Demasters was operating DeMasters Pump, a well pump and drilling company, without a valid contractor’s license.
DeMasters admitted to installing used replacement parts, despite charging for and certifying new parts, on at least several occasions.
Detectives say DeMasters fraudulently endorsed the installation of new parts to his customers, who did not discover the discrepancies until a later date.
On December 17, 2018, Madera County Sheriff’s Detectives took Demasters into custody.
He was arrested for multiple felony counts of embezzlement of an elder by a non-caretaker, felony grand theft, and several counts of misdemeanor contracting without a license.
The investigation is ongoing.
So far there are 5 victims in this case, all over the age of 62, losing close to $20,000 dollars.
If you or someone you know believe you may be a victim relating to this case, please contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770.
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
