Home Repairman Stiffed New Canaan Victim For Plumbing, Carpentry Work: NCPD

NEW CANAAN, CT — A 37-year-old Norwalk man was arrested on a warrant Wednesday charging him with conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny for allegedly taking more than $12,000 from a New Canaan homeowner for work the suspect never completed, according to New Canaan police.

Jose B. Ruiz, of Cedar Street, surrendered to police just after 7 p.m. in connection with the complaint, which police received in April of this year.

"The original incident occurred on 04/05/17 when Ruiz was issued checks by a victim in the total amount of $12,195.00 to complete a plumbing and carpentry job at the residence of the victim," wrote New Canaan police in a statement. "Ruiz cashed the checks and never completed the work agreed upon."

Ruiz was held in lieu of a $20,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on Thursday. Additionally, he was charged separately with second-degree failure to appear in connection with motor vehicle violations from an incident in February in Norwalk.

Photo: Jose Bernardo Ruiz. Photo credit: New Canaan Police Department