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Prosecutors: 2 Men Face Bias Crime Charges In L.I. Chimney Scam

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Two Long Island men accused of posing as chimney inspectors and targeting the elderly will be arraigned Wednesday on a grand jury indictment.

Bruce Wimmer, 32, of Bohemia, and Michael Windland, 28, of Lake Ronkonkoma face bias crime charges for allegedly burglarizing a 92-year-old Bellport woman and a 77-year-old Huntington resident last month, Suffolk County prosecutors said.

Prosecutors: 2 Men Face Bias Crime Charges In L.I. Chimney Scam

The suspects stole jewelry in the Huntington case from the victim's bedroom, prosecutors said.

At the Bellport residence, prosecutors said the suspects allegedly stole $160 in cash and the victim's prescription medication. The pair allegedly quoted a price of $3,000 for the chimney work and offered to drive the victim to her bank to withdraw the money.

"I just feel so overwhelmed that they could take advantage of older people," the Bellport victim, whose first name is Violet, told CBS 2's John Slattery on Aug. 21.

Authorities suspect there are more victims and are urging them to come forward, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.

Potential victims of the alleged scam are asked to call Fifth Squad detectives at 631-854-8552.

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