Suspect Allen Ray Harris, who does business as Harris Contractors, is accused of soliciting small repair jobs for senior citizens, then accompanying the victim to the bank for large withdrawals of cash, said Detective Scott Tillman. He is accused of bilking a senior citizen of $100,000 in Wilson County and overcharging a senior citizen of more than $15,000 in Bedford County.

“He only does work for elderly people about 80 to 90 years old,” Tillman said.

In one instance, he was accused of stealing a lock box and a .22-caliber handgun from one victim while a companion distracted the victim in Rutherford County, the detective said.

Harris and at-large suspect Henry Wells were accused of convincing a victim to write a check for a $1,800 job for $18,000 and writing the check to Wells, Tillman said.

“They would meet (the victim) at banks and withdraw a large amount of money,” Tillman said.

Tillman said senior citizens should be wary of people who want to do unsolicited work at their homes. Check to see if the company name is listed in the phone book or check with the Better Business Bureau.

Detective Lt. Todd Sparks said it should raise a red flag if someone soliciting work asks to inspect work done by another worker.

People who believe they have been defrauded by Harris and Wells or have information about Wells’ location are asked to call Tillman at 904-3041 or at communications at 898-7770.