Contractor Defrauds South Brunswick Homeowners Of More Than $70K: PD

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — A contractor has been charged with four counts of third-degree theft by deception after he defrauded four homeowners of more than $70,000, South Brunswick Police said.

On Aug. 29, the police department received reports that a contractor had taken money from several area residents to perform various contracting work around their homes.

Officer Justin Samuels and Officer Dale Hubner were speaking with the homeowners when Thomas Cash, 20, drove by in a black pickup truck. Residents pointed out the truck and the officers stopped Cash, police said.

Cash provided a passport from Great Britain and told police he was staying in South Plainfield for a few weeks. He told officers he was working as a paving and landscaping contractor under Alfa Paving and Landscaping from New York, police said.

An investigation conducted by officers and Detective Monica Posteraro determined that Cash had offered to do various jobs, did minimal work to receive the first payment and never returned to complete the job.

Cash is currently lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.

Residents who may have been victimized by Thomas Cash or have additional information are asked to contact Detective Monica Posteraro at 732-329-4000 x 7478.

The South Brunswick Police Department is urging residents to be aware of Home Improvement Scammers and to report any and all attempts or actors that may be using suspicious business tactics.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com