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Volusia County ‘Hurricane Handyman' schemer arrested in South Carolina

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — So-called “Hurricane Handyman” Russell Bannister has been arrested in Greenville, South Carolina, on charges of exploiting a vulnerable adult burglary, and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Deputies there said he posed as a minister collecting funds for tornado victims.

Volusia County deputies said he went to a mobile home park in Ormond Beach last July and claimed to be a handyman.

They said he took the victims’ money and never did any work.

Bannister was also wanted on various charges in North Carolina and Georgia, deputies said.

He faces charges in Volusia County that include exploiting the elderly, organized scheme to defraud and grand theft.