A Little Egg Harbor who police say stole more than $247,000 from eight homeowners who contracted with him for Superstorm Sandy repairs pleaded guilty on Monday according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office announced.
Ocean County officials say under the plea agreement, the NJ will recommend Petere Rinaldi be sentenced to five years in state prison. Rinaldi will pay back the full amount he stole from customers officials said.
Owner of Donovan Mark Custom Builders, LLC and Michael Anthony Custom Builders, LLC, Rinaldi, 57 developed agreements for home repairs with property owners in Little Egg Harbor, Toms River, Ship Bottom and Point Pleasant between July 2014 and August 2016, according to Ocean County officials.
Officials say Rinaldi received $247,224.63 for repairs, but he converted the money for personal use and did not complete projects for customers.
Rinaldi previously pleaded guilty to theft by failing to make lawful disposition of money received relative to a homeowner he victimized in Brick Township, officials said.
Officials say Rinaldi must also pay back an additional $34,000 that he stole.