Press & Media

TOMS RIVER MAN CHARGED WITH FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 11, 2021, Thomas Carlevale, 34, of Toms River, was charged with Failure to Register as a Home Improvement Contractor in violation of N.J.S.A. 56:8-138A.

In response to complaints from multiple homeowners in Toms River claiming that Carlevale had done work on their homes – only to later be made aware that he was not a licensed contractor – an investigation was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Unit, which revealed that Carlevale had indeed solicited and performed home improvement work on homes in Toms River under the company names “T-Tech Construction” or “T-Tech Building and Electric” in October of 2019.  After Carlevale failed to pass inspections and/or obtain necessary permits for the work he performed, the homeowners became suspicious and contacted law enforcement.  Further investigation revealed that Carlevale performed the work in question despite the fact that he had not possessed a valid home improvement contractor’s license since 2015.

On January 11, 2021, Carlevale surrendered himself to Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.  He was processed and released on a summons pending a future court date.

Prosecutor Billhimer urges anyone who believes they may have been victimized by this defendant to contact Sergeant Ray Gardner or Detective Eric Ludwick of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Unit at 732-929-2027, extension 3070.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to this charge.

The public and press are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.