Oklahoma Contractor Indicted for Stealing Over $38K From Sandy-Devasted Homeowner

A Monmouth County grand jury hands up an indictment against a suspended contractor

from Oklahoma for failing to return over $38,000 for a home elevation project in Keansburg.

57-year-old Raymond H. DeSylva of Rosehill, Oklahoma was charged with one-count of third degree Theft by Deception and one-count of fourth degree Failure to Register as a Home Improvement Contractor in the State of New Jersey DivisIon of Consumer Affairs.

According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office an investigation by the Monmouth County Superstorm Sandy Task Force revealed, DeSylva, who was doing business in New Jersey as Eco Earth Friendly Builders, entered into a contract to elevate a Keansburg residence on Roosevelt Avenue in March 2013 for $44,556 and received a $14,852 payment when the contract was signed. However, prior to doing the work in July 13, 2013, DeSylva and Eco Earth Friendly Builders were suspended from doing business in New Jersey but failed to tell the Keansburg homeowners.

While Eco Earth and DeSylva were suspended, the Keansburg homeowners sought to have their home elevated higher than the previous contract and entered into a second contract on August 19, 2013, paying DeSylva an additional $24,026 for the work.

On September 18, 2013, DeSylva was permanently barred by the Sate Division of Consumer Affairs from engaging in business as a home improvement contractor and relinquished his registration. However, the Prosecutor's Office said Desylva failed to return the money he was given by the Keansburg homeowners and returned to Oklahoma.

In May 2014, an arrest warrant was issued for DeSylva's arrest in Oklahoma and he was taken into custody and returned to New Jersey after waiving extradition. He is free after posting $20,000 bail.

If convicted of theft by Deception, DeSylva faces three to five years in state prison. He also faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted of Failure to Register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the State of New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.