Evergreen Reporter

An Irish national, John O’Brien, residing illegally in the United States, has been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy following allegations of a home repair fraud scheme affecting homeowners in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom announced the charges.

O’Brien, 28, initially held on an immigration detainer, made his first court appearance in U.S. District Court facing allegations of defrauding homeowners by persuading them to pay for unnecessary or incomplete home repairs. The fraud purportedly involved misrepresentation about the necessity of repairs and the credentials of O’Brien's business, Traditional Masonry & Construction.

The scheme came to light when an elderly resident of Warwick, RI, known as Victim 1, contacted the Warwick Police Department with complaints against O'Brien. Victim 1 reportedly paid $9,500 for foundation repairs allegedly deemed necessary by O'Brien, who later sought an additional $80,000. A subsequent inspection revealed these repairs were not needed.

Additional victims have reportedly experienced similar fraudulent interactions, beginning with unsolicited repair offers, followed by claims of serious damage requiring expensive repairs. The scheme has allegedly resulted in losses exceeding $1,000,000.

During O’Brien's arrest, authorities seized promotional materials from his vehicle, including flyers, contracts, and invoices under the Traditional Masonry & Construction brand. Documents detailed transactions ranging from $300 to $205,000, aggregating to approximately $1,987,650.

This type of scam has become more frequent in the U.S. and is recognized as the Traveling Conman Fraud. According to the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center, these schemes often involve Irish or U.K. nationals who enter the U.S. on visas, overstay, and solicit construction work citing minor issues that escalate into costly repair demands. These operations rarely involve permits or proper authorization.

The federal criminal complaint against O'Brien asserts his presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The case is handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Taylor A. Dean and Sandra R. Hebert, with investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and the Warwick and East Providence Police Departments.

The investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, aimed at dismantling illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.

Officials advise homeowners to exercise caution with unsolicited contractor services, verify licensing, ensure permits are obtained, and avoid falling for high-pressure sales tactics.

Victims of similar fraud schemes are urged to contact Homeland Security Investigations.