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Scottsdale Police arrest parolee for contractor scams in five Valley cities

Posted at 12:59 PM, Sep 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-22 15:59:35-04

A man released from prison last June has again been arrested for theft as he received money for contracting work that he never did.

Court records show Scottsdale Police arrested the man for theft, but he may be linked to thefts in four other Valley cities totaling over $30,000.

Scottsdale Police reports that 35-year-old Michael Scott Ortega committed to doing contracting work at a home near 64th Street and Indian School Road. The victim paid him with five cashier's checks totaling $10,585.

Police say that the victim detailed the work that was supposed to be done on each check. Ortega allegedly never bought any materials, never applied for any permits and never performed any work.

Police say they also found active cases possibly involving Ortega in Glendale, Peoria, Gilbert, and Phoenix. Ortega allegedly took about $30,550 from victims' in those cities. Charges in these cases are expected to be filed by those respective agencies.

Ortega served over six years in prison for fraudulent schemes have been released from prison in June of 2015.

He is now facing theft charges.