Police Seek Matawan Contractor Accused Of Stealing $250K

WEST WINDSOR, NJ — A Matawan man — who is currently on the run from authorities — was indicted Tuesday for theft and other charges after he is accused of stealing up to $250,000 from New Jersey homeowners and not completing the home improvement work, said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone.

Olcay "OJ" Darkanat, 61, was indicted on 10 counts of third-degree theft, and one count of second-degree misconduct, according to South Brunswick Chief Raymond Hayducka.

His two companies, Narrowing Construction, LLC. and Eagle Eye Home Remodeling, LLC, were also named.

Darkanat stole $250,000 from homeowners over a span of seven years, police charge. Police have been investigating Darkanat since September 2022 and their investigation uncovered cases from residents in East Windsor, West Windsor, South Brunswick, Monroe and Marlboro Township.

Darkanat remains at large and investigators continue to pursue leads to locate him, the prosecutor said.

“We heard from multiple victims who felt helpless that this man took their money and fled,” said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka.

Darkanat would visit homes, provide an estimate for repairs and take an initial down payment. He would then provide minimal work and disappear.

Sometimes he would have subcontractors do work on a home, but they would leave when he failed to pay them, authorities said. The houses were left in disrepair and much of the work failed inspection.

After civil suits were filed, Darkanat changed companies to Eagle Eye Home Remodeling and had homeowners make out checks directly to him, said police. Darkanat would ignore homeowners' attempts to locate him or would flee the country.

If you have information, call South Brunswick Police tips line 732-329-4000, ext. 7847 or the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office: 732 745-4312

Anastasia Kokinos, an investigator from the Middlesex County Division of Consumer Affairs and South Brunswick Detective Bryan Sites have been the lead detectives on this case, and they are still pursuing Darkanat.

“I want to thank Investigator Kokinos, Detective Sites and Assistant Prosecutor Curley for all their hard work," said Chief Hayducka.