New Jersey

Contractor Admits to Scamming Sandy Victims

Authorities say a contractor has admitted taking deposits for work that was never done at two central New Jersey homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy.

Monmouth County prosecutors announced Wednesday that 59-year-old John Martocci of Matawan pleaded guilty this week to two counts of theft by deception. He faces a five-year state prison term when he's sentenced Sept. 26, and will have to pay restitution that has not yet been determined.

Martocci accepted an $1,800 deposit in November 2013 to repair the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system on a Sea Bright home, then received a $1,411 deposit in January to install a new air conditioning condenser at a Howell home.

In both cases, Martocci failed to do the work or return the deposit.

Copyright The Associated Press
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