Contractor hit with fraud charges over post-Sandy work in NJ

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- A contractor who performed work after Superstorm Sandy has been criminally charged with defrauding multiple New Jersey homeowners.

State Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced charges Tuesday against Jersey Pride Home Renovations and owner William Wolford.

The company based in Ocean County allegedly used deceptive practices to pressure customers into signing contracts, abandoned some projects and didn't correct substandard work that failed to pass municipal inspections.

A criminal complaint also alleged the company performed home elevations without being legally registered for that type of work.

Wolford referred questions Tuesday to his attorney, who didn't immediately return a phone message.

The complaint seeks to have the company pay back homeowners, return federal funds and pay civil penalties.