HONESDALE, PA — Pennsylvania State Police at Honesdale say they have arrested Honesdale Borough Councilman Harry DeVrieze for allegedly taking money for a construction job that was never begun and materials that were never ordered. A press release from the police says that the incident occurred on May 2, 2011, and the amount of money that was paid to DeVrieze by 69-year-old John Robinson of Honesdale was $4,500, and was to pay for the installation of custom countertops.

The release says, “DeVrieze had promised Robinson the work would be completed in four weeks. Robinson returned home from his job as a merchant marine and discovered no work was done. He contacted DeVrieze and was told several reasons/stories why the work was never done. DeVrieze even told Robinson his wife was hospitalized. Robinson felt bad and gave DeVrieze even more time to make good on his promise to do the work.”

The case was referred by Honesdale Borough Police to the state police because DeVrieze is a sitting member of the borough council. DeVrieze was charged with theft by deception and theft by unlawful taking. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Ted Mikulak, who set unsecured bail at $10,000.

The Pennsylvania State Police at Honesdale ask that anyone else who might have a similar claim against DeVrieze contact them at 570/253-7126, attention trooper John Chervanka.