After allegedly intimidating homeowners and pressuring them into paying thousands of dollars for dramatically inflated premium pine straw, three Georgia men are now facing arrest warrants in Lancaster — and police say the scam has stretched across multiple states for years. Lancaster police are now asking for the public’s help as two of the suspects remain on the run.
The Lancaster Police Department confirmed that Joseph Nasir Butler, Tyderrius Kemon White, and Anthony Scott Bell Jr., all of Georgia, are wanted in connection with the door-to-door landscaping scheme. Butler turned himself in to the Lancaster Police Department and is currently in custody.
Butler now faces charges of obtaining property under false pretenses valued between $2,000 and $10,000, strong arm robbery, and criminal conspiracy. White and Bell remain wanted on the same charges.
Investigators say the suspects approached homeowners offering pine straw installation for $6 per bale. However, they allegedly refused to provide written estimates before beginning work. After completing the job, police say they claimed to have used an excessive number of bales, which resulted in unexpectedly high charges.
When victims questioned the totals, authorities say the suspects became aggressive and intimidating. In some cases, they allegedly pressured homeowners to make immediate payment, leading to the strong arm robbery charge.
Police determined the alleged scam has been occurring since at least 2020. Furthermore, investigators believe it has targeted communities across South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges could follow. Anyone who believes they may have been victimized or who has information about the remaining suspects is urged to contact the Lancaster Police Department at 803-283-3313. Residents should call 911 immediately if they see White or Bell.
