NORCROSS, Ga.,None — Channel 2 Action News has learned a Norcross man accused of preying on elderly woman in Barrow County, has been in trouble with the law before.
Winder Police arrested Joe Quick, 45, on theft charges after several women came forward alleging he flagged them down in their cars and told them they needed emergency work done. Then, they allege he took thousands of dollars from them, but didn't do that work.
"He said 'well, pull over here and let me check it' and like a fool I did," Linda Steele told Channel 2's Tony Thomas Wednesday night.
After Thomas' story aired on the Channel 2 Action News Nightbeat, Roswell Police called Channel 2's Mike Petchenik to remind him about cases they had against Quick. Last Fall, police in Roswell arrested Quick and charged him for stealing from six victims.
Carolyn Fitchpatrick was one of them.
"He was very convincing," she told Petchenik of her encounter with Quick on Crossville Road.
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Court documents obtained by Petchenik show Quick pleaded guilty to the Roswell charges and was sentenced to five years probation.
The judge also ordered Quick to pay restitution to his victims and complete community service.
Documents show a judge found Quick violated that probation by not fully repaying the victims and by completing no hours of community service.
"I would be happy to see him going to prison," she said. "That's where he belongs."
A spokesman for the DeKalb County District Attorney's office tells Petchenik there are at least five cases pending against Quick there.
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Channel 2's Tony Thomas said a Gwinnett County family had notified him they have filed a police report there, too.
Late Wednesday, Petchenik heard from Quick's attorney, Max Hirsh. Hirsh said his client had "turned a corner" after the Fulton and DeKalb County arrests and was trying to make an honest living.
"These allegations come as a shock to him and his family," Hirsh said of the charges in Barrow County.
Hirsh said his client has "trouble communicating" with people and that the alleged victims in this case likely misunderstood his intentions.
He told Petchenik Quick is working to make full restitution to the Roswell victims and plans to fully comply with the terms of his probation.
WSBTV
