DECEMBER 6, 2007

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS INDICTED
ON THEFT, FAILURE TO REGISTER CHARGES

A Mercer County grand jury returned indictments Wednesday charging three individuals with failing to register as home improvement contractors, Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph L. Bocchini Jr. announced today.  In addition, two of the contractors were charged with theft.   

Brad Scott, age 57, AKA Brad Soref DBA Prima Seal was indicted on two counts of failing to register with the state and performing door and window installation in Ewing Township and Trenton.  He is also charged with taking a down payment of $1,967 from the Trenton homeowners for door and window installation, and not performing any work or returning the money.  Although Scott’s business is based in Pennsylvania, he still must register in New Jersey.     

Anthony Iannuzzio, age 67, is charged with failing to register with the state and theft by failure to make required disposition of property received.  The Washington Township homeowners contracted with Iannuzzio for the completion of a foundation for a home addition.  He was paid approximately $8,600 to purchase building supplies which were never delivered nor was the money refunded. 

John Chmielinski, age 38, is charged with doing driveway work in Hamilton Township without a license.  Bocchini said that Chmielinski’s case was referred to the prosecutor’s office by the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs.  In 2006, he was indicted and pleaded guilty to the same offense.  He is currently on probation.  

The failure to register charge is a fourth-degree crime that carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison.  The theft charge is a third-degree crime that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.  Acting Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Doris M. Galuchie presented the cases to the grand jury.

Bocchini said that his office has been working closely with the county Division of Consumer Affairs to prosecute unregistered home improvement contractors.  Over the last year, several other contractors have been indicted for failing to register.  

To confirm that a contractor is registered to do business in New Jersey, Bocchini said that residents should call the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs at (609) 989-6671. 

An indictment is merely an accusation.  All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.