Landscaper faces fraud charges

MOUNT HOLLY – A Mount Laurel landscaper is accused of falsely reporting the theft of equipment and collecting money for the items from his insurance company, police said.

Marcello DiPietro III, 29, of Hilltop Drive reported more than 20 pieces of equipment stolen, including backpack blowers, chainsaws, grass trimmers and pole saws.

DiPietro, who owns Lorraine Farms Enterprises as well as Expert Tree Service by Lorraine Farms, submitted claims to his insurance company and received $7,500 to cover the cost of the equipment he reported stolen.

Police said the investigation revealed DiPietro’s businesses still possessed several of the same items he said were stolen. Subsequent searches by police led to more of the equipment being found.

DiPietro was charged with submitting a fraudulent insurance claim, theft by deception and filing a false report. He was later released after posting $75,000 bail.