SMITH COUNTY, Texas — A Tyler man and woman were arrested Wednesday, Sept. 24, for allegedly scamming an elderly person out of $750 by posing as chimney sweeps earlier this year.
Steven Gonzalez and Erika Salinas, both 33, face charges of theft from the elderly after the duo pretended to represent a business named ETX Chimney Sweep.
According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was quoted $750 for necessary chimney parts that were never delivered or installed. Despite repeated attempts to recover the money through texts to Salinas, the victim received only ongoing excuses stretching into August 2025.
A legitimate chimney sweep company later confirmed that the chimney did not require the repairs Gonzalez and Salinas claimed were needed.
Authorities continue to investigate the case.
