According to court documents filed by Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, Scott David Miller, 34, of Philadelphia, has been charged with Home Improvement Fraud – Advance Payment, Theft by Deception, Deceptive Business Practices, and Receiving Stolen Property, all third-degree felonies.
Police allege the investigation began after a Schuylkill County resident hired Miller and “New Massey” Construction to perform approximately 1,400 to 2,200 square feet of patio and retaining wall work at a property in South Manheim Township in June 2025. According to an affidavit of probable cause, the victim signed a contract with Miller on June 17, 2025, and later made several payments totaling $17,000 for the project.
Investigators said Miller and his company began excavation work and delivered some materials to the property, but the work soon stopped. Police said the victim later discovered the company’s business phone had been disconnected and attempts to contact Miller became unsuccessful.
State police said the victim reported that only about 10 to 20 percent of the contracted work had been completed despite the payments already made. The victim also allegedly learned that materials had not been fully paid for and that another company had to be hired to finish the project.
According to the affidavit, Miller later contacted investigators and allegedly admitted to taking the victim’s money and using it to cover personal expenses, including bills, payroll, and other debts. Police said Miller acknowledged that the project had not been completed and that he did not have the financial means to finish it.
Miller was charged on May 27, 2026, and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 7, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek in Schuylkill Haven.