Webster plumber found guilty of larceny

WORCESTER A Webster plumbing and heating contractor who operated under business names "Dan the Clog Man," "The Clog Specialist," Dan the Heating Man," and "DW Plumbing & Heating," has been found guilty of larceny in connection with work done in the Worcester area, according to authorities.

Daniel Watterson, 43, was found guilty Wednesday by Judge Richard T. Tucker after a seven-day bench trial in Worcester Superior Court of larceny of more than $250 of a victim older than 60 and larceny of more than $250 by false pretenses, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced Friday.

Mr. Watterson overbilled customers for deficient plumbing and heating services, according to authorities. He would overcharge customers, sometimes claiming the bill was a flat rate for the job, and charged a customer's credit card without consent.

"The defendant exploited his position as licensed plumber and oil burner technician to steal from vulnerable consumers by fraudulently billing them and charging them without their consent, leaving them with an undue financial burden," Ms. Coakley said in a news release.

A Worcester County grand jury returned indictments against Mr. Watterson on Dec. 17, 2010. and he was arraigned on Jan. 19, 2011 in Worcester Superior Court.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of violating the Massachusetts Clean Air Act for his alleged failure to file notices of asbestos removal with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, improper removal of asbestos-containing material, and improper disposal of asbestos-containing materials, child endangerment (two counts), larceny of more than $250 by false pretenses (three counts), larceny of more than $250 of a victim over 60, larceny or less than $250 of a victim over 60, and larceny of more than $250. He was released on personal recognizance.

Mr. Watterson was found guilty on Wednesday on the charges of larceny over $250 and larceny over $250 by false pretenses. Sentencing will be at a later date. He is scheduled to be back in court to face the remaining charges on Sept. 10.

Contact Linda Bock via email at lbock@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @LindaBockTG

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Webster plumber found guilty of larceny