Jersey Shore Contractor Stole $361K In Fraud Scheme: Police

BRIGANTINE, NJ — Brigantine police said an Egg Harbor Township man was charged after an investigation into what detectives described as a contractor fraud scheme tied to home work performed in 2024 and 2025.

The Brigantine Police Department said it was contacted in July 2026 by two people who reported they were victims of theft by deception by a contractor hired to do work on their home during 2024 and 2025. According to police, an investigation by Detective Rao found evidence that Kevin O. Crafton, 49, of Egg Harbor Township, defrauded the victims by obtaining more than $361,000.

Police said the money was obtained by creating or reinforcing false impressions about permitting costs, geotechnical testing, legal fees and fines that did not actually exist or take place. According to the department, Crafton was operating as the foreman for LDC Design & Construction, LLC.

The investigation also found that Crafton created Voice over Internet Protocol phone numbers that he used to impersonate engineers, city officials, architects and an attorney for the purpose of defrauding the victims, according to police.

On Sept. 8, 2026, Crafton was charged with theft by deception, four counts of criminal impersonation, computer criminal activity, forgery and falsifying records, according to the release. Police said Crafton was arrested Sept. 21, 2026, and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

The Brigantine Police Department and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office are asking anyone who had home improvement work done by Crafton or LDC Design & Construction, LLC and believes they also may have been victimized to contact Detective Rao at 609-264-7909 or prao@brigantinenj.gov.