Van Nuys : Alleged Swindler Repairman Sought

Authorities are seeking a Sacramento man wanted for swindling elderly residents of the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood and Silver Lake with bogus home repairs, the Los Angeles city attorney’s office announced Monday.

Miller Metlow, 34, was charged last week in a 17-count criminal complaint that includes working as an unlicensed contractor, grand theft, theft, trespassing and failure to provide a written contract.

According to Deputy City Atty. Keith De La Rosa, Metlow was charged after the LAPD’s Bunco-Forgery Division located elderly homeowners who paid for repairs the clients say were never completed.

Investigators allege that Metlow used “physical intimidation” to demand additional money after homeowners had agreed on a fee for driveway or roof work. His alleged victims include:

* A 70-year-old Van Nuys woman who paid Metlow $1,800, which was $1,000 more than the original estimate to repair a cracked driveway.

* A 79-year-old Van Nuys woman who paid $2,100 for driveway repairs after Metlow pretended to be a contractor that she had previously hired.

* A 76-year-old Van Nuys woman who paid $910 for one hour’s work on her driveway after Metlow deceived her into believing she had previously hired him.

* A Hollywood couple, both 77, who paid $620 for roof repairs never completed.

* An 88-year-old Silver Lake woman who paid $1,400 for minor driveway repairs after Metlow demanded $1,900.

Metlow is described as white, six feet tall, 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. To report his whereabouts, contact LAPD Detective Glen Bihler at (213) 485-3795.