Naperville Police Arrest Romeoville Man for Home Repair Fraud

A months-long investigation into multiple reported incidents of home repair fraud in Naperville concluded Friday, July 7, with the arrest of a Romeoville man on felony theft and fraud charges.

This investigation was initiated in November 2022 when a Naperville resident reported a contractor named “Salvador Fuertes” failed to fulfill his contractual obligations. The subject allegedly collected a down payment from the resident to complete a concrete patio project but never performed any work and refused to return the money. Between November 2022 and May 2023, Naperville Police received an additional five reports of home repair fraud involving “Salvador Fuertes,” who allegedly collected money from the Naperville residents for various concrete work projects he never completed. Additionally, “Salvador Fuertes” was purporting himself to be a Lucas Landscaping employee, but Lucas Landscaping neither was aware nor authorized the man to work under the company’s name.

During the investigation, Naperville Police identified “Salvador Fuertes” as Salvador Garcia, 34, of the 300 block of Eaton Avenue, Romeoville. He was arrested Friday, July 7, and charged with the following felonies:

• Two Counts of Continuing Financial Crimes Enterprise, Class 1
• One Count of Theft, Class 2
• Three Counts of Theft, Class 3
• Four Counts of Home Repair Fraud, Class 4

Anyone who may have had similar dealings with Mr. Garcia, who allegedly used the name “Salvador Fuertes” and cell phone number (331) 425-9288 to communicate with all Naperville residents who became victims of his scam, is asked to call the Naperville Police Department’s Investigations Division at (630) 420-6665.

The Naperville Police wish to remind the public and the news media that a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Salvador Garcia

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.