JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – A man is facing eight years in prison for swindling seniors in several Colorado counties, including El Paso.
For nearly three years, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office says Joseph Tyler and his wife Amelia would knock on the door at various homes, offering tree-trimming or other home services. They’d ask the homeowner for payment up front, which was usually provided via check. Amelia would leave to cash the check, while Joseph would make a show of cutting a few branches.
“After cashing the check, the wife would return to pick up the husband before he completed most of the job,” the Attorney General’s Office said. “The defendants would then tell the homeowner that they needed to get something and would be back, but they rarely returned to the jobsite.”
The couple repeated the scheme over and over across El Paso, Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Jefferson and Otero counties between February 2020-October 2022. By the time law enforcement caught up with them, they had at least 50 victims in their wake, many over 80 years old.
“The defendants defrauded dozens of older Coloradans when they promised tree-trimming or home repair services and then ran off with their money,” the Attorney General’s Office said.
Husband and wife were both indicted by a grand jury in early 2023. The Attorney General’s Office says Amelia Tyler cooperated with the prosecution, ultimately pleading guilty to felony theft. She is currently out on probation after serving a year in jail.
Her husband was not noted as cooperating with the case but did ultimately plead guilty to theft targeting at-risk victims. He was sentenced Monday to eight years behind bars and ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution.
“These fraudsters are now being held accountable for their crimes. Our office remains committed to ensuring that individuals who perpetrate crimes against older Coloradans are held fully responsible for their actions,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said.
The Attorney General’s Office warns older Coloradans to stay vigilant, as they are a frequent target by criminals.
“Older Coloradans are frequently targeted by scammers with schemes that can cause financial harm, including the loss of one’s retirement savings and potentially even their home. AARP ElderWatch Colorado is a program with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and AARP whose mission is to fight the financial exploitation of older Coloradans through education and outreach, data collection, and the providing of assistance. Please visit the AARP Elderwatch website for additional information on how to recognize, refuse and report fraud and scams. Report fraud or scams by calling 1-800-222-4444 or filing a complaint at www.StopFraudColorado.gov,” the office said.
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