Lower Moreland Contractor Took Up Front Payment, Never Started Work: Police

LOWER MORELAND, PA — A Montgomery County contractor who ran a fraudulent home improvement services scheme surrendered himself to police over the weekend, authorities said.

Phillip Yeatts, 47, of Philadelphia, has been charged with theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking, false statements to induce agreements to home improvement services, and related counts.

A Lower Moreland resident contracted Yeatts for work on Aug. 21, 2025, police said.

Yeatts required a deposit of half of the quoted price up front, before the work began, according to authorities.

However, Yeatts did not start the project on the agreed-upon date, and eventually broke off all contact with the victim, police said.

The incident was reported to police on Oct. 31. Investigators said they discovered Yeatts was wanted on an out of state warrant on similar charges.

Yeatts surrendered to Lower Moreland Police on Feb. 27. He was released after posting $25,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing has been set for March 13.