HOLLIS — A man police say has a lengthy history of taking cash to do work for homeowners and then failing to do so has been arrested.

Maine State Police arrested Gregory McLau-ghlin, 37, of Hollis on Tuesday. He was charged with theft by deception for allegedly taking money from a resident, going away and not returning to do the unspecified job.

According to a news release, Trooper Robin Parker took a report from a Hollis resident earlier this month, outlining what had allegedly happened. Parker, the news release said, then learned that McLaughlin had a lengthy criminal history that included thefts and other similar activity dating back to the early 1990s. Police said they also believe McLaughlin may be involved in thefts in Saco and Portland.

He was arrested in a supermarket parking lot in Buxton Tuesday by state police and was and charged with Class C felony theft by deception and Class C felony violating conditions of release, as well as a misdemeanor charge of driving after suspension.

The news release said McLaughlin cooperated with the investigation and that state police believe he used the money from customers to buy heroin.

He was taken to York County Jail.

A class C felony, upon conviction, carries a maximum prison term of five years.