Coudersport Man Accused of Scamming Elderly Galeton Woman out of more than $363,000

Man jailed on multiple felony counts

COUDERSPORT – A Coudersport man has been arrested and jailed on multiple felony counts – accused of scamming an elderly Galeton woman out of more than $363,000.

State Police say 38-year-old Jim Ronald Mills, Jr., owner and operator of M&M Mechanical, of Coudersport, defrauded 75-year-old Margaret Ann Andrews, of Galeton out of $363,372 in cash, and $32,110 in property that included 3 motor vehicles.

Police say Mills worked for Andrews over the course of 2 years. During that time, Mills is accused of preparing work order estimates for jobs to be done at Andrews’ home. Mills allegedly started the jobs and accepted payment, later even taking advances on work, but without ever completing the jobs.

Police also say Mills convinced the elderly woman to invest in properties in Tioga County that had mineral rights. Police say Mills bought the properties, but in his name alone, without reimbursing Andrews’ money.

Mills is also accused of taking 3 motor vehicles from the woman, including a 1998 Dodge truck with a snowplow, a John Deere backhoe, and a Cub Cadet lawnmower.

Police say he also took numerous other items, including a window, a generator, a portable wood saw mill, 2 refrigerators, gas in gas cans and items not used in her home repairs, but already paid for, such as a 200 amp electrical service with fuses.

Police arrested Mills on Wednesday, December 7, and conducted a search warrant at his Cherry Springs area home the next day.

As a result of the investigation State Police have charged Mills with 5 counts of Theft(F3), 3 counts of Theft by Deception(F3), 4 counts of Receiving Stolen Property(F3), 1 count of Deceptive or Fraudulent Business Practices(F3) and 1 count of Criminal Mischief(M2).

Mills was arraigned before District Judge Delores G. Bristol and remanded to the Potter County jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.