The Lancaster Police Department has issued a public warning and obtained arrest warrants for three Georgia men allegedly involved in an aggressive, multi-state landscaping scam. The operation, which investigators believe has been active since at least 2020, uses deceptive pricing and intimidation to fleece homeowners out of thousands of dollars.
The Suspects
Authorities are currently searching for the following individuals, all residents of Georgia:
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Joseph Nasir Butler
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Tyderrius Kemon White
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Anthony Scott Bell, Jr.
The trio faces several serious charges, including Criminal Conspiracy, Obtaining Property Under False Pretenses ($2,000–$10,000), and Strong Arm Robbery.
The Modus Operandi: “The Bait and Switch”
The scam typically follows a specific, predatory pattern designed to catch homeowners off guard:
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The Pitch: Suspects approach homeowners offering to install pine straw for a seemingly reasonable rate of $6 per bale.
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The Refusal of Estimates: When asked for a total cost, the suspects claim an estimate is impossible until the work is finished.
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The Inflation: Once the job is “complete,” the suspects claim to have used an impossibly high number of bales, presenting the victim with a bill totaling thousands of dollars.
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Intimidation: If a homeowner questions the astronomical price, the suspects reportedly shift from “contractors” to aggressors, using high-pressure tactics and physical intimidation to force immediate payment.
“Our investigators determined this scam has been occurring since at least 2020, targeting communities throughout the Southeast, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.” — Lancaster Police Department
A Wide Net of Victims
While the current warrants stem from incidents in Lancaster, SC, police emphasize that this is a sophisticated, multi-state operation. The group is known to travel across state lines, targeting neighborhoods in North Carolina, Florida, and their home state of Georgia.
As the investigation remains active, authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
How to Help
The Lancaster Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance:
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Have Information? If you have been victimized by this group or have information on their whereabouts, contact the Lancaster Police at 803-283-3313.
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Immediate Danger: If you see these suspects in your neighborhood, do not confront them. Call 911 immediately.
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