A Schuylkill County man faces felony charges after police say he took a $4,000 cash deposit for a roofing project, failed to order materials, and never started the work.
John Shala, 48, of Tamaqua, is charged with receiving an advance for services and failing to perform, theft by deception, and receiving stolen property.
According to police in the borough, a victim contacted Shala based on a recommendation from an acquaintance. Shala went to the victim’s property, where they agreed on a $4,500 price to install a new porch roof, police say.
Shala requested $4,000 upfront to purchase materials from Home Depot, according to police. On or about May 11, the victim paid Shala the cash, and Shala provided a signed, handwritten note acknowledging the payment and stating the remaining balance was due at completion, police say.
After receiving the payment, Shala repeatedly made excuses to the victim, police say. When the victim eventually called Home Depot, store representatives confirmed there was no pending material order associated with Shala’s phone number, according to police.
Police say the last message the victim received from Shala was on May 17, when Shala claimed he was going to get the items. Shala then failed to answer six subsequent messages from the victim, police say. No work was ever performed, and no materials were ordered.
Shala was arraigned on May 28 and initially sent to Schuylkill County Prison, but was released the same day after 10% of his $10,000 bail was posted, court records show. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 16 before Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer.
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