Milton man charged with home improvement fraud

A Milton man faces several felony charges in connection with home improvement fraud.

In March, Delaware State Police began investigating Christopher Russell, 46, and his business Great Outdoors Sunrooms and Shade Solutions in connection with home improvement fraud. Police said Russell signed contracts with five people in Kent and Sussex counties and received more than $118,000 in payments, but never completed or began the projects.

After detectives obtained warrants for his arrest, Russell turned himself in Oct. 18 at Troop 7. He was charged with home improvement fraud value $50,000 to $100,000; home improvement fraud $1,500 or more; home improvement fraud by false pretense $1,500 or more; two counts home improvement fraud by false pretense $1,500 or more, victim is over 62; two counts theft over $1,500, victim is over 62; two counts theft over $1,500; and theft by false pretense over $1,500.

He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on a $23,000 unsecured bond.

Detectives ask anyone who may have been defrauded by Russell in a similar manner to contact Troop 3 Financial Crimes Unit for Kent County at 302-697-4454 or Troop 4 Financial Crimes Unit for Sussex County at 302-856-5850; send a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police; or contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.