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Cedar Rapids Derecho Scammer Pleads Guilty

Gavel In Court Room

Photo: Getty Images

(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- A Montana man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Cedar Rapids to cheating a derecho victim out of more than $10,000 in insurance proceeds. Fifty-seven-year-old William Allen Hurlbut, Jr. from Belgrade, Montana, was convicted of one count of mail fraud.

Hurlbut admitted he came to Iowa after the derecho, and claimed to be a handyman doing business as "Trinity 321." Investigators say Hurlbut did not have a contractor license, but obtained a cell phone number with a local area code to do business. Hurlbut has a prior federal felony conviction in Idaho for destruction of government property.

Hurlbut promised a Cedar Rapids resident to fix derecho damage for a victim with physical disabilities, but wanted the payment upfront. Investigators say instead of fixing damage, he spent insurance funds on gambling and personal items and expenses. 

Investigators also say Hurlbut lied to the homeowner about the project and bought items at a home improvement store on the false pretense that he was buying materials to complete the project. Hurlbut would then return the items for a cash refund, which Hurlbut then used for his own purposes. The investigation revealed that, over a two-week period in October 2020, Hurlbut spent at least $22,532.50 gambling at an Iowa casino.

Hurlbut also had a tow truck tow the victim’s vehicle from the victim’s backyard to a junkyard without buying it or getting permission. In February, Hurlbut convinced his victim to loan him $1,000 for lodging and food, which Hurlbut never repaid. Through March 2021, Hurlbut performed little to no work on the project despite the fact that the victim had advanced more than $10,000 to Hurlbut for the repairs.

 

  Hurlbut remains in custody, a sentencing date has not been set.


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