Newtown Contractor Accused Of Taking Tens Of Thousands From Elderly Client, Police Say

NEWTOWN, CT — A 65-year-old Newtown contractor is accused of stealing more than $79,000 in insurance funds from an 88-year-old client by endorsing and depositing checks without her permission, according to Newtown Police.

Charles Goodhue, owner of New England Restoration, was charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree larceny, first-degree identity theft and third-degree forgery, an arrest warrant shows. He was arrested on Feb. 11, 2026.

According to the warrant, the victim hired Goodhue after her home sustained storm damage on Aug. 18, 2024. Insurance claim checks were issued to cover repairs, but Goodhue allegedly removed them from her Newtown mailbox and signed her name to several checks without authorization, the warrant states.

Documents show Goodhue cashed three checks dated Oct. 14, 2024, Nov. 5, 2024 and Nov. 15, 2024, totaling $79,005.82, the warrant states.

The warrant states Goodhue admitted to taking the mail and endorsing checks in the victim’s name, but claimed he had verbal permission and needed access to the funds to pay for repairs.

The victim told police she never authorized Goodhue to sign or deposit the checks and later paid other contractors out of her own pocket to complete unfinished work.

A judge set Goodhue’s bond at $25,000. He is scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court.