A New Jersey contractor, Jeffrey Crawford, 50, of Lacey Township, has been sentenced to three years in state prison for stealing $70,000 from a Toms River homeowner. Crawford, operating as Hercules Renovations, LLC, had left the remodeling job incomplete, leaving the homeowner with extensive damage and financial loss.
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Homeowner’s Trust Betrayed
Crawford, who pleaded guilty to theft, had entered into a contract in September 2020 to remodel the homeowner’s first floor. After receiving a $115,000 downpayment, he abandoned the job in March 2021, performing only sporadic work and causing significant damage to the property.
Police were alerted to the homeowner’s complaint in May 2021 by the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs. The victim detailed Crawford’s failure to fulfill the contract and the subsequent financial loss suffered due to the incomplete renovation.
As part of his sentencing, Crawford is required to repay the full amount stolen. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized the impact of such cases on homeowners and the importance of holding contractors accountable for their actions.
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Gaming and Personal Expenses
Crawford misappropriated more than $40,000 on gaming activities in Atlantic City and an additional $30,000 on undisclosed personal items, diverting substantial funds away from the intended renovation project.
The theft came to light when the homeowner reported Crawford’s actions to the Toms River Township Police Department. Crawford was arrested on October 14, 2021, and later pleaded guilty to theft by failure to make required disposition of property.
The case highlights the vulnerability of homeowners in contractor dealings and the importance of thorough background checks before entering into such agreements.
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