A Texarkana, Ark. man is behind bars, and residents of Webster and Bienville Parish can sleep a little easier knowing they will not be the victims of this scam artist.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said his chief deputy, Hank Haynes’ sharp eye is to thank for taking Michael Morris Jeffery, 45, off the asphalt.

“Haynes was traveling southbound on La. Hwy. 371 and saw asphalt equipment in the driveway of the residence located in the 22,000 block,” Parker said. “He stopped at the residence because he knew the owner – Mike’s Paving – was wanted on several outstanding warrants for low quality workmanship and overcharging elderly customers.”

Parker said there have been approximately seven complaints from parish residents regarding the quality of work and the “outrageous price they were forced into paying. I’m sure there are more victims, and it is not too late to file charges.”

The sheriff also said Jeffery claimed to be with the Webster Parish Police Jury at one resident’s home.

“One of the victims told us about this and a complaint affidavit for charges has been filled out,” Parker said. “Our office has obtained a warrant.”

Jeffery’s charges include false impersonation, three counts of theft of assets of the aged, failure to obtain permit and cheating and swindling.

He was transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on bonds totaling more than $50,000.

 

Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance said the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office investigators had outstanding arrest warrants for Jeffery involving two separate incidents in Bienville Parish which happened on June 14 and June 17, 2020 respectively.

The first incident involved an asphalt job that started out at one price and wound up at an exorbitant amount. In that case Jeffery is charged with residential contractor fraud and exploitation of the infirmed with bond set at $150,000.

In the second incident Jeffery quoted a reasonable price but ended up demanding $3700 from the home owner and subsequently entered the victims home uninvited. The victim felt intimidated by Jeffery and he became aggressive toward the elderly victim. As in the first incident Jeffery is charged with the same charges in addition to unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling.

Bond on those charges total $225,000.

Jeffery will be transported to Bienville Parish for booking.

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