Rhode Island attorney general takes action against contractor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said Wednesday his office is charging a contractor accused of taking advantage of residents and his employees.

Neronha said that Michael Bresette targeted vulnerable homeowners that suffered damaged to their homes. He promised to repair damages and provide help.

After gaining the trust of residents, Neronha said that Bresette “cut corners, failed to secure needed permits, performed improper work, and pocketed money from homeowners or insurance proceeds.” He would leave homeowners with dangerous and unfinished work.

The attorney general said that Bresette violated the Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practice Act by engaging in unfair and deceptive business practices.

The court placed a restraining order temporarily preventing him from furthering his actions. Bresette’s other companies (BTTR LLC, HAM Inc.) and assets have also been frozen.

Bresette is also facing a felony charge for not securing workers compensation insurance for his employees, according to the Attorney General.

“When contractors ignore the law and prey on homeowners, endangering their safety, strong action by this Office is warranted,” said Neronha. “Under our recently much strengthened consumer protection law, this Office has been able to use its newly provided statutory authority to bring court action that the Defendants cannot ignore, protecting Rhode Island consumers.”

Neronha is asking residents who may have been a victim to contact his office.