Seventeen contractors charged with work violations

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PROVIDENCE,R.I. (WLNE)- Seventeen contractors are facing charges for substandard work, in some cases failing to begin projects entirely, according to a statement released today from Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha.

Seven contractors are facing felony charges, and 10 others were arraigned on misdemeanors in Providence District Court today.

“We’re not talking about cases where folks are dissatisfied with their paint color,” Neronha said. “These are hardworking Rhode Islanders who paid a lot of money for contractors to make improvements to their homes and were left high and dry.”

According to court evidence, one home owner was left homeless after loosing $40,000 over a contractor’s failure to complete a project. Another homeowner has a lien on his house after a contractor failed to pay a sub-contractor, despite being paid in full himself, according to the charges.

Eight contractors were arraigned February 19 on misdemeanor charges. Two were charged yesterday with felonies, and felony warrants were issued for another five. Two others failed to appear in court, for which they were issued bench warrants.

The charges resulted from a failure to comply with an order from the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board, which is maintained by the the state’s Department of Business Regulation.

According to the attorney general’s statement, complaints are investigated by the CLRB, and final orders are issued after efforts to reach a resolution between the parties are exhausted.

Two additional contractors reached agreements with the board and were able to avoid charges.

“These defendants were given multiple opportunities to resolve their situations,” Neronha said. “Some took advantage of that opportunity, others didn’t. Those who didn’t will now be held accountable, and this office will pursue restitution to the homeowners and any fines owed.”

©WLNE-TV/ABC 6 2020