Theft/ Home Improvement Fraud Arrest

Case 17-019998

 On February 1, 2017, two senior citizen residents who resided on the 1500 block of Coulon Road in the Willow Grove section of Abington Township, had a contractor come to their home to give them an estimate for the construction and installation of a ramp at the entrance of their home.  Both senior citizens needed a wheelchair to enter and exit their home, and the contractor, who identified himself to the homeowners as Chris Lasson, provided an estimate of $6,250. The homeowners were told to provide a deposit check of $3,350, which they did. This check was made payable to Patricia Nelligan, who the contractor identified as “the boss”. This check was subsequently cashed by Nelligan. No work was ever done, and Patricia Nelligan fled to South Carolina.

This case was assigned to a detective, who spent more than one year trying to track down Nelligan and her accomplice, the contractor who had identified himself as Chris Lasson. In March of this year and with the help of South Carolina Law Enforcement Authorities, Patricia Nelligan and Chris Lasson, whose real name is Paul Mullin, were apprehended in South Carolina. Patricia Nelligan and Paul Mullin, both of the 1500 block of Arline Avenue Roslyn, were extradited back to Montgomery County and formally charged with multiple felony counts of Home Improvement Fraud, Theft, Theft by Deception,  Receiving Stolen Property, and Deceptive or Fraudulent Business Practices. Bail was set at $75,000 cash for both defendants.

Because these suspects targeted individuals who are among the most vulnerable, we are asking the public for your assistance in identifying any other potential victims. Please contact the Detective Division at 267-536-1100, ext. 1505.

CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE MERELY ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.

Approved for Release by: Lt. Steven Fink