Man faces more charges in hearing aid scam
EXETER » Additional charges have been filed against the owner of a Berks County hearing aid business.
In August 2017, Berks County District Attorney Detectives initiated an investigation into allegations of fraudulent business practices occurring at the business of Hearing Aid Associates, 6 Hearthstone Court, Suite 204, Exeter Township. Detectives learned that the owner/operator of this business was the defendant, Edward Grabarek Jr., 40, of Exeter.
During the investigation, detectives learned from November 2016 through August 2017, Grabarek allegedly defrauded three Berks County victims, who were all over the age of 60. Grabarek intentionally obtained or withheld property, namely hearing aids. Grabarek was subsequently charged and arrested on November 21, 2017, and was free on bail.
Detectives continued the investigation.
As a result, detectives learned that Grabarek allegedly defrauded eight additional Berks County victims who were all over the age of 60. In some instances, Grabarek created a false impression that the hearing aids they purchased were brand new, when in fact some were used/reconditioned and were not functioning properly, police said.
In addition, the defendant produced hearing aids that did not perform as advertised and failed to provide a refund. The losses ranged from $1,900 to $6,800 for each victim.
On Jan. 19, Graberak’s preliminary hearing was held on the original charges, during which all charges were bound over to the Court of Common Pleas. Upon completion of that hearing, detectives obtained a warrant of arrest for Grabarek from District Judge Sandra Fegley on the additional charges. He was subsequently arraigned on the new charges and was released on $50,000 unsecured bail.
Detectives are continuing the investigation into other possible victims.
Anyone who has any information is asked to contact the Berks County District Attorney Detectives at 610-478-7171.