Contractor Accused Of Skipping Out On Storrs Job With $15K In Pocket

STORRS, CT — A Pennsylvania-based contractor is accused of taking the money and then running on a job at a home in Storrs, state police said.

Michael Palmieri, 42, of Coopersburg, PA, has been charged with violating home improvement contract regulations and failure to pay a refund on a job valued at more than $2,000.

The investigation was initiated by the special investigations unit of the state Department of Consumer Protection, according to a warrant.

A Storrs resident had complained that, on April 15 of last year, she entered into a contract with Premier Exteriors and Design LLC to remodel two bathrooms and replace five skylights and the company received a check for $15,750 in advance for the work.

Contractors made measurements, but never returned to do the work, according to testimony outlined in he warrant. The salesman or the company was not registered in the state, according to a warrant.

Letters sent to the company bu consumer protection officials were not answered, according to the warrant.

Palmieri is listed as a principal of the company, investigators said in a warrant.