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Appearing by video from state prison, Michael William Bloom, 45, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by deception during a Friday morning appearance before Judge Ryan Tira.
The charges stem from two separate incidents in which Bloom, the former owner of Keystone Lift and Elevator Co. received money for services he did not provide.
The plea deal, worked out with Senior Deputy Attorney General Bernard Anderson, saw 11 other counts dismissed.
In October 2021, an elderly Cogan Station couple gave Bloom $2,500 as a down payment for an elevator to be installed in their home, investigators said. The couple and Bloom signed a contract, however, the couple later learned that Bloom's contractor registration had been revoked, and attempts to get a refund were unsuccessful, investigators said.
A second incident in October of the same year saw a Connecticut man and his wife out $9,520 after they gave it to Bloom's company as a down payment for an elevator for their home, investigators said. A contract was signed that day, but five days later, the couple "wanted to cancel the contract" after learning that "Bloom and his company were allegedly in trouble for fraud," an affidavit stated. The very next day, Oct. 26, Bloom's credit card payment of $9,520 "was electronically deposited into Bloom's bank account, investigators said.
Bloom was previously convicted in Luzerne County of theft by deception and home improvement fraud. He remains incarcerated in state prison.
Sentencing was delayed at the behest of the victims, who wish to be present during the proceedings.
Sentencing is now set for Jan. 2, 2024.