ClarksvilleNow.com Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. = The Clarksville Police Department is warning the public about a washer/dryer scam that has already been reported by two separate parties.
Clarksville resident Kenneth Bailey is soliciting services on his Facebook page and other websites.
In the first incident, the victim said he purchased a washer/dryer from Bailey April 29 but realized the dryer did not work when he tested it at home. He contacted Bailey, who agreed to fix it at no charge and picked up the dryer May 3. He texted the victim May 9 to say the dryer was fixed and that he would deliver it at 8:10 p.m.
Bailey never showed up to deliver the dryer and has not made contact with the victim since. The victim told police Bailey changed his phone number.
In the second incident, another victim told police she hired Bailey June 14 to fix her washer. When Bailey arrived he told the victim he would have to take the machine with him for repairs, but would loan her one until he delivered the repaired machine Monday. He also required a payment of $100 up front.
The victim and her husband attempted to use the machine they had been loaned that evening, but it overflowed in their home. The victim called Bailey, who said a clean-up crew would arrive as soon as possible, but they never did.
Throughout the weekend, Bailey assured the victim he would take care of any damages. However, Bailey stopped returning her calls Monday night and has not returned her washer.
An officer contacted Bailey by phone and Bailey said he “knew he was supposed to bring the machine back but it was too late at night.” The officer told Bailey she would file a report and secure a warrant if he did not return the machine. At this point Bailey became rude and vulgar toward the officer, who then disconnected the call.
Bailey has a history of theft. Officers informed the victim of warrant procedures.