YOUNGSTOWN Scam targets elderly residents

The suspect uses an accomplice who sneaks inside the house, police said.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Elderly residents are being advised by police that 31-year-old Michael McCutcheon, described by police as a devious scam artist, is using a variety of believable stories to steal in the Youngstown metropolitan area.
"He knows his target, identifies who he thinks will be vulnerable," said Lt. Robin Lees, Youngstown Police Department spokesman.
"Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force at (330) 533-2017."
Lees said McCutcheon's last known address was on Tam-O-Shanter Drive. He sometimes uses the alias Larry Macovitz.
Lees said his criminal record includes theft, burglary, falsification, criminal damaging and receiving stolen property.
He is being sought on warrants charging him with burglary, receiving stolen property and misuse of credit card.
McCutcheon is reportedly driving a 1995 black Chevrolet Lumina with a red pinstripe and red interior. No license plate number was available.
His scams
McCutcheon has preyed on elderly people in Youngstown, New Castle, Green and Ellsworth townships, Olmsted Falls, Hubbard and Boardman, Lees said.
"He'll knock on a door and say he's just struck a dog with his car and it ran in the back yard and he wants to check," Lees said, describing one scam. "The elderly people in the house, they'll usually accompany him outside to help look for the injured dog."
While that's happening, McCutcheon's accomplice will enter the house and look for a purse, wallet or other valuables that can be grabbed quickly, Lees said. Police don't have a description of the accomplice.
In another story McCutcheon uses, he portrays himself as an animal control officer investigating complaints about a cat that is being mistreated in the neighborhood and tells elderly residents that it may be in their yard, Lees said.
Again, he lures the people outside and his accomplice goes in to rummage and steal valuables.
McCutcheon has also told potential victims that his car has overheated and he needs water from an outside spigot, Lees said. While the homeowner helps, McCutcheon's sidekick goes into the house.
"If you see him, call your local police," Lees said. "If you have information or are a victim, call Detective Sgt. Jerry Shuster at (330) 742-8263."
Lees said McCutcheon is prowling neighborhoods looking for open doors and windows.
meade@vindy.com