Police: Home inspector made $18,000 but didn't test 138 homes

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WTXF) - A Montgomery County man is accused of defrauding well over 100 home buyers around the region.

In January, a Realtor and home buyer told police Sherlock Homes Inspection charged for water testing that was never done.

An investigation found Joseph Michalski of Souderton "was selling home inspection services that included water, termite and radon testing. After examining records from the business, it was determined that 138 victims paid Michalski to perform testing that he did not perform and/or was not certified to perform."

They say it was more than $18,000 from people in seven counties: Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh and Philadelphia.

According to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, "The purchasers went ahead and bought the home based upon the results the defendant provided, and now they may be living in a home with unhealthy levels of radon, which is linked to lung cancer, or with well water that is unsafe."

Michalski is charged with theft by deception and receiving stolen property, as well as 138 counts of performing testing and mitigation that required certification.

He was released on $20,000 unsecured bail.

Anyone who contracted with Sherlock Homes Inspection Services is asked to call police at 610-278-3368.