West Hartford PD Accuses Tolland Contractor Of Scam: Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A 37-year-old Tolland man is accused of operating a home improvement scam in which a West Hartford homeowner was victimized last year, according to police.

According to the West Hartford Police Department Thursday, Rick Labelle, 37, of Tolland, was charged with first-degree larceny and four counts of third-degree forgery.

Police said Labelle was scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Thursday, Jan. 23.

According to a news release issued Thursday afternoon, in April 2024, West Hartford police began an investigation into a possible home improvement scam involving Labelle and his business, Abel Construction and Remodeling LLC out of Tolland.

According to police, a West Hartford homeowner reported they hired Labelle for a project that was never completed, and the homeowner sustained a financial loss of more than $100,000.

The case was assigned to the West Hartford Police Department Detective Division, who, with the assistance of the state Department of Consumer Protection, continued the probe.

According to police, during the investigation, it was discovered Abel Construction and Remodeling had its contractor license revoked by DCP.

"WHPD personnel also discovered that Labelle altered several documents and provided the homeowner with fictitious receipts in an effort to deceive them," wrote the WHPD in a statement Thursday.

As a result, police said they sought and received an arrest warrant charging Rick Labelle for his involvement in this fraudulent scheme.

If any member of the public has any information regarding this incident, contact the West Hartford Police Department through the WHPD Tip Line/email at 860-570-8969 / whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov .