Landscaping Scam Arrest 

June 29, 2025 – Placer County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on May 18, 2025, our deputies responded to a fraud report at a home on South Walnut in Loomis. The resident told deputies she had paid a deposit for landscaping work on May 2, but the landscaper never returned.

Detectives launched an investigation and learned the suspect had identified himself as “Austin.” Further investigation revealed his true identity as 34-year-old David Hitchman.

Hitchman, who was on probation and wearing a GPS ankle monitor, was tracked to the victim’s residence at the time he falsely claimed he would perform the landscaping work. On June 26, Hitchman was arrested and booked into jail on four charges, including theft by false pretenses.

We’ve identified additional victims in the area and the investigation is ongoing. If you believe you are a victim, please contact our investigations tip line at (530) 889-7830.

Source: Placer County Sheriff’s Office