A South Jersey contractor took nearly $75,000 as a down payment for a project, but never performed the work and used the money on gambling, a boat and other expenses, authorities said Wednesday.
Richard Smith Jr., 51, of Williamstown, faces charges of attempted theft by deception, theft by deception and misapplication of entrusted property in the scam, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Riverton Police Chief John Shaw announced.
The probe began in December following a report to police from a Riverton resident, who said Smith took two payments from him for work on a home addition totaling $74,488.88, but never began construction, according to the prosecutor, who said Smith owned Beyond Renovations LLC at the time.
“The investigation revealed that Smith used the money for personal expenses. He visited Atlantic City casinos and played in a poker tournament,” the prosecutor’s office said. “He also purchased a new vehicle, a boat and a fake Rolex watch.”
After taking the checks from the resident, Smith changed the name of his business to ARB Builder’s Group while taking deposits for projects from new customers, Coffina said.
Smith was arrested Tuesday when police served a search warrant at his residence and taken to the Burlington County jail before a detention hearing, according to the prosecutor. It was unclear if he had retained an attorney who could comment on the allegations.
Authorities asked anyone who believed they were victimized by Smith to call the…
