Delaware Charges 'Missionaries' Ran Home Improvement Scam

Delaware authorities have arrested the leader of a supposed missionary group that allegedly scammed elderly homeowners.

Attorney General Beau Biden said criminal charges were filed against Lana Lee Pierce, 53, also known as Lana Preston. Pierce was arrested on 12 felony and misdemeanor charges of home improvement fraud, criminal impersonation, and identity theft.

Pierce is alleged to have told elderly homeowners that she represented a non-profit religious missionary group called “Serenity Home Group Ministries” that performed home repairs. Payments made for repairs, Pierce told homeowners, would be tax-deductible. 

The investigation revealed that Pierce actually used the checking account number, address, and federal tax identification number of a legitimate missionary group named “Delaware Bridges,” which she was not authorized to represent.  The charges allege she used the false identification information to obtain $17,000 worth of lumber and building supplies from Nuttle Lumber and that she failed to pay for those materials.

Biden cautioned the public to be alert for home improvement scams.  “It’s always important for consumers to research home repair contractors before agreeing to do business with them,” he said.  “Help protect yourself against contractor fraud by making certain that a contractor is licensed and bonded, follow up on references, ask your friends and neighbors about a contractor’s reputation, and never pay for work up front.”

In addition to three counts of identity theft, Pierce is charged with five counts of home improvement fraud, including three charges involving victims aged 62 or older.  Pierce is also charged with three counts of felony theft, and one misdemeanor count of criminal impersonation.  She was released on $35,000 secured bond.