Contractor charged with theft after refusing to return deposit

The owner of Level and Square Construction and Remodeling LLC in Point Pleasant was charged with theft after refusing to return a woman's $40,000 deposit for Hurricane sandy related repairs to her Jersey Shore home. 

The woman canceled the home improvement contract within the three day cancellation period which is mandated by the New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor Registration Act.

The woman become skeptical of Salvatore Mattiaccio after signing a contract with him to raise her home due to her flood zone being changed post Hurricane Sandy. She reviewed the matter with her attorney and subsequently delivered a cancellation notice to the company within the three day period.

According to the contract, Level and Square Construction and Remodeling LLC would return the deposit within thirty days, however the woman never received her $40,000 deposit back.

Mattiaccio was charged with theft pursuant, a third degree offense.

In an unrelated matter, Mattiaccio was charged with two counts for Violations of the Contractor Registration Act which are fourth degree offenses and sentenced to probation.

OCPO Detective Stephen Shadiack of Economics Crimes Unit investigated the matter in coordination with Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs and Point Pleasant Police.

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