Contractor Charged With Harassing Natick Man After Negative Review

A Somerville contractor is facing criminal harassment charges after prosecutors say he harassed a Natick man, fueled by a negative review stemming from a bathroom renovation job at the Natick man’s home.

Richard Froais, 52, who owns Universal Home Repair, allegedly posted false ads on Craigslist stating that the customer’s home was for sale, as well as online posts that the man was a sex offender, reported the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.

Almost a year ago, CBS Boston reported that Chhabi Neupane, the Natick homeowner, had to hire a second contractor to finish a job that he had already paid Froais to complete.

The victim said he paid around $3,000 to remodel a bathroom and install kitchen cabinets for more than $800, with neither project completed. The man posted a negative review on Yelp, and filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

It indicates on Yelp that Universal Home Renovations has since gone out of business.

Reportedly after seeing the review, Froais emailed the victim and created the Craigslist ads that accused him of being a sex offender who possessed child pornography, and having his house for sale.

Froais owed thousands for other unfinished jobs in Rhode Island as well as Massachusetts, in 2014, reported CBS Boston. Several victims stepped forward, many anonymously, to report that he had disappeared with his tools, and taking money without finishing.

Froais is due back in court Oct. 21. He also faces harassment charges in Attleboro and West Roxbury, said the Telegram.