MILTON, Del. — Delaware State Police have arrested a 46-year-old Milton man accused of home improvement fraud involving multiple victims across Kent and Sussex counties. Christopher Russell, the owner of Great Outdoors Sunrooms and Shade Solutions, allegedly collected over $118,000 from clients for construction work that he failed to start or complete.
The investigation began in March 2024, when financial crimes detectives from Troop 3 and Troop 4 received several complaints regarding Russell’s business practices. Detectives determined that Russell signed contracts with five victims, receiving substantial payments for home improvement projects that either remained unfinished or were never initiated.
Detectives obtained warrants for Russell’s arrest, and on October 18, 2024, he surrendered to authorities at Troop 7. He was subsequently charged with multiple felony offenses, including:
- Home Improvement Fraud (Value $50,000-$100,000)
- Home Improvement Fraud $1,500 or More
- Home Improvement Fraud by False Pretense $1,500 or More
- Home Improvement Fraud by False Pretense $1,500 or More (victims over 62) – 2 counts
- Theft over $1,500 (victims over 62) – 2 counts
- Theft over $1,500 – 2 counts
- Theft by False Pretense over $1,500
Russell was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $23,000 unsecured bond. Authorities are urging other potential victims to come forward as the investigation continues.