EXETER >> The Berks County District Attorney’s Office has charged an Exeter Township man after he allegedly defrauded three Berks Country residents.
Edward Grabarek Jr., 40, has been charged with theft by deception and fraudulent business practices.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, Berks County District Attorney Detectives initiated an investigation in August 2017, into allegations of fraudulent business practices occurring at the business of Hearing Aid Associates, 6 Hearthstone Court, Suite 204, Exeter. Detectives learned that the owner/operator of the business was Grabarek.
During the investigation, detectives learned from November 2016 through August 2017, Grabarek defrauded three Berks County victims, who were all over the age of 60. Grabarek intentionally obtained or withheld property, namely hearing aids. He created a false impression that the hearing aids they purchased were brand new, when in fact they were used or reconditioned and were not functioning properly. One of the three victims never received the hearing aids that they paid for. Subsequently, the total for each victim’s loss was in excess of $5,000.
On Nov. 20, 2017, as a result of the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant of arrest for Grabarek from District Judge Sandra Fegley.
On Nov. 21, 2017, the defendant surrendered to the Berks County District Attorney’s Detectives, where he was accompanied by his attorney.
He was arraigned and committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Detectives are continuing the investigation into other possible victims. If anyone has any information, please contact the Berks County District Attorney Detectives at 610-478-7171.
