Woodridge man accused of $117,000 remodeling scam

A 29-year-old Woodridge man is facing criminal charges after police say he billed an elderly Villa Park man about $117,000 for remodeling work that never was completed.

David L. Briggs has been charged with felony theft by deception (more than $100,000) and felony theft by deception (victim older than 60), Villa Park police said Monday. Briggs was being held at the DuPage County jail on $500,000 bail.

Police said they were contacted Dec. 14 by family members of the 79-year-old victim. In their complaint, the family members said the victim earlier that month was in contact with Briggs, who claimed to own a remodeling company.

Briggs agreed to complete remodeling projects at the victim's Villa Park home, but the projects were never finished, police said.

The victim's family became aware of the situation when they were contacted by the victim's bank and notified of numerous payments being made to Briggs.

Police said they interviewed Briggs and completed criminal subpoenas for his bank accounts. Investigators learned during the probe that the victim paid Briggs about $117,000. Briggs spent the money and didn't complete any remodeling, authorities said.

If other members of the public have had similar dealings with Briggs, they are being asked to call Villa Park detectives at (630) 592-6162.