Man exploited woman out of money, threatened her

HINTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man exploited a woman out of money while she let him live on property, threatened her when she confronted him.

On July 23, 2024, a 64-year-old victim reported to the Summers County Sheriff’s Office that the suspect, William Fair, had cheated her out of $4,966.72 and was unlawfully living on her property in a camper.

The victim explained that in 2021, she had hired Bethlehem Farms, a company that assists seniors with home repairs, to work on the exterior of her home at 196 East Gander Way in Talcott, Summers County, West Virginia. The victim said Bethlehem Farms did not do any interior work.

Through this company, the victim met the suspect, who offered to complete some basic carpentry and electrical repairs inside her home. The suspect told the victim he needed a place to park his camper while doing the work, so the victim allowed him to park it on her adjoining property at 199 East Gander Way, with the understanding that he would pay the electric bill and mow the lawn.

Over the next two years, the suspect repeatedly requested and received money from the victim – $1,250 on 11/17/2021, $1,250 on 10/2/2022, $500 on 1/12/2023, $1,000 on 1/17/2023, $76.72 on 1/17/2023, and $890 on 2/20/2023 – but never completed any repairs or provided receipts. The victim confronted the suspect in March 2024, demanding he leave her property by April 30, 2024. The suspect became angry, made threats, and refused to leave.

On July 25, 2024, the victim called 911 because the suspect was standing in her yard, screaming threats and curses at her. The 64-year-old victim, who lives alone with her dog, stated she fears for her safety and that of her pet, as the suspect has threatened her, pointed a firearm at her dog, and engaged in other intimidating behavior.

Fair is charged with obtaining money by false pretense, trespassing, and financial exploitation.