Two contractors from Barnegat are facing charges after a five-month investigation by Stafford Police and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

(Credit: iStock)
(Credit: iStock)
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Police arrested Michael Albanese, 52, and George Larosa, 46, on Friday on charges of Second-Degree Theft by Deception and Conspiracy to Commit Theft. Investigators say from March 2014 until July 2015, the men, operating as GL Construction, accepted deposits and cash payments from numerous homeowners in Stafford for home elevation, renovation, and other construction projects stemming from Sandy-related damage, but failed to complete the agreed-upon work.

In total, the pair is accused of diverting more than $257,850 of the victims' money into their own accounts and using some of the money to complete renovations on their own investment properties in Manahawkin and Brigantine. Charges are still pending in connection to other potential victims in other parts of Ocean County.

Both men were housed in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail and have been ordered to surrender any home improvement contractor licenses. Both are also prohibited from entering into any new contracts, submitting permits, or accepting funds for contracting services.

Manahawkin residents who have submitted deposits or payments to GL Construction for work that was not performed are asked to contact Stafford Police Detective Drew Smith at 609-597-1189 ext. 8435. Potential victims in other parts of Ocean County should call Detective Brad Frank with the Prosecutor's Office Financial Crimes Unit at 732-929-2027.

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