Berks man facing more charges in hearing aid scam
EXETER » A man who is already facing multiple charges involving fraudulent business practices will now be facing eight additional charges.
Edward Grabarek Jr., 40, of Exeter Township, has been charged with theft by deception and fraudulent business practices after police say more individuals came forward claiming Grabarek misleadingly sold them hearing aids he claimed were new.
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 and operator of the business was Edward Grabarek Jr.
From 2012 through 2017, Grabarek defrauded Berks
County victims, who were all over the age of 60, police allege. Police said Grabarek intentionally obtained or withheld property, namely hearing aids, or provided hearing aids purported to be new. In addition, Grabarek provided hearing aids that were meant to be demonstration models only. The hearing aids were again purported to be new.
As a result of the investigation, Grabarek was initially arrested on three separate occasions, November 21, 2017, January 19, 2018 and March 27, 2018. A total of seventeen Berks County
residents claimed to have fallen victim to Grabarek. Seventeen counts of theft and fraudulent business practices were filed against him.
During a preliminary hearing on February 16, 2018 on the charges, Magisterial District Judge Fegley revoked his bail on those charges. Subsequently, Grabarek was committed to Berks County Prison.
Berks County Detectives continued to receive complaints
alleging that Grabarek conducted fraudulent business practices, prior to being incarcerated. An additional eight victims filed complaints against Grabarek. On June 7, 2018, as a result of the investigation, detectives filed an additional eight charges against Grabarek before Magisterial District Judge Sandra Fegley on the charges.
Grabarek is now facing a total of 25 charges. The total loss to the 25 victims was estimated at approximately $100,000.
Detectives are continuing the investigation into other possible victims. If anyone has any information, please contact the Berks County District Attorney Detectives at 610-478-7171.