Two contractors were charged with home improvement fraud in Orwigsburg after they allegedly failed to perform services for which they were compensated.
Police filed charges Dec. 13 against Joseph B. Ellis Jr., 40, Kempton, and Anthony J. Menginie Jr., 44, Telford, Montgomery County, stemming from a series of business transactions with Rashel Richardson of Orwigsburg.
According to court documents, borough police said Richardson accused the contractors of swindling her.
Richardson said Ellis — the owner of Ellis Building Works LLC — failed to perform work after she made $50,050 in payments, having received a $78,669.70 quote from the company in December 2020. The deposits were made over the course of 12 months.
Richardson told police that Ellis had been putting off the work, and she requested a refund last summer. Ellis said he would pay her back but didn’t have the full amount, police said. Police gave Ellis until Dec. 6 to make a full refund.
Richardson also told police that Menginie Electric failed to install a generator in her home after she paid an $8,500 deposit in October 2022.
Menginie, who had delayed the installation due to health reasons, said he would install it on Feb. 18 but did not appear, police said. Richardson demanded a refund, which the contractor never paid, police said.
Police spoke to Menginie in June, and he admitted to spending the money he received from Richardson. Menginie was given until Sept. 20 to either refund the money or install the generator.
On Dec. 9, Richardson reported that she hadn’t heard from either of the contractors or received refunds.
The defendants each face charges of making false statements, deceptive business practices and theft. Ellis also is accused of receiving advance payments and failing to perform services.
