Toothless Impostor Strikes Again? Man Impersonating Utility Worker Reported In Lenawee County

ADRIAN (WWJ) - Authorities are searching for a man who is posing as a utility worker and going door to door, apparently targeting senior citizens, in at least two southern Michigan counties.

Lenawee County Sheriff Jack Welsh said police received multiple calls during the week of August 8 from the Britton, Addison and Hudson areas regarding a suspicious subject identifying himself as a Consumer's Energy worker.

The man told the homeowners that Consumer's Energy is going to be replacing the utility lines in front of their homes, according to police. The suspect then tells the homeowners he needs to enter the home to check the electrical systems, police said, to make sure everything would be compatible with the new wires.

Investigators say the suspect --  a white male in his 30s with facial hair and no front teeth -- is specifically targeting homes of senior citizens. He might be driving a gray or silver SUV-type vehicle.

Last week, police in Monroe County warned residents about the same suspect, who was posing as a DTE Energy worker. Sheriff Dale Malone said his office received three reports about the suspect between Aug. 11 and Aug. 12 -- with incidents in Bedford Township, Raisinville Township and Monroe Township.

By law, utility workers who request to enter a home should always have a picture ID and proper credentials. If the worker does not have the proper credentials, do not let them into your home and immediately call police.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office at 517-263-0524, or the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 734-243-7070.