Published: May 04, 2009 11:01 pm      

More businesses allegedly bilked

Two more area businesses are claiming they were bilked out of money by a Westmoreland County man hired for advertising that never was completed.

That brings to 15 the number of businesses claiming Gregory Thomas Mauk accepted money to create ads but never did the work.

Mauk, 41, of Rector, was charged Monday with theft by deception and receiving stolen property.

Cambria County detectives filed the charges on behalf of Grammy’s Place Day Care, 114 Atlee St., and B. Hale Inc., 415 Vickroy Ave., both in Ferndale.

In both cases, Mauk reportedly contracted in September and February to design ads to be placed on tables at The Haven Lounge in Johnstown, but no ads were made, authorities said.

Grammy’s paid $165 and B. Hale paid $1,185.

After several months, the owners tried unsuccessfully to contact Mauk when checks were cashed but no ads appeared, authorities said.

Mauk was charged last month after 13 businesses including a bank and an insurance company allegedly put up more than $11,000 total for advertising that never was completed.

The charges were filed before District Judge John Barron of Upper Yoder Township. Mauk is free on bond.