The Upper Gwynedd Police Department announced on Thursday the arrest of Michael J. Mazer, 50, of Philadelphia, following a six-month investigation into his illegal activities with homeowners while performing work as a contractor.

Police said Mazer was arrested on six felony and one misdemeanor charges. He was previously convicted of nine theft and deception charges in 2009.

According to the report, a victim told Upper Gwynedd police in November 2025 that they hired Mazer to complete stucco work on their home for $16,000 in August 2024.

“During negotiations, Mazer urged the victim to take out a loan for the full $16,000 to which he could use the money to purchase materials to complete the job,” the report says. “The victim agreed to obtain the loan and paid him three separate payments: $5,000, $6,000, and $5,000 for a total of $16,000 with the agreement Mazer would satisfy the loan.”

Mazer then gave the victim multiple bad checks, after which police provided Mazer “multiple opportunities to satisfy the loan, but Mazer continuously provided excuses and false promises when deadlines came and went”, the report said.

Upper Gwynedd police provided the following update to the report:

For clarification as the wording may have not been clear enough: The victim was convinced to take out a construction loan for $16,000 at the start of the project for Mazer to purchase supplies upfront. Mazer agreed he would pay off the construction loan, if the victim paid him in cash. The victim then paid Mazer a total of $16,000 in cash in addition to the funds from the loan, resulting in Mazer being paid $32,000 for the $16,000 project he quoted.

Mazer proceeded to provide the victim with checks to pay the loan, but each check would bounce. He was given multiple opportunities over a few months to hold up his end of the agreement and failed to do so every time.

We understand it is confusing as to why someone would make this agreement, but Mazer took advantage of an elderly person who put their trust in him.

Preliminary hearings are set for May 14 and May 18.

Mazer’s activities took place in Upper Gwynedd Township and East Norriton Township, though police encourage anyone in the general area to contact authorities if you are being or have been victimized by Mazer.

The full report is below:

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Photo: UGPD