TOMS RIVER – A Little Egg Harbor contractor has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $247,000 from eight homeowners who contracted his services after Superstorm Sandy.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said the state will seek a 5-year prison term for contractor Peter Rinaldi, 57.
He’s scheduled for sentencing March 29 before Judge Guy P. Ryan.
Rinaldi was the owner of Donovan Mark Custom Builders LLC and Michael Anthony Custom Builders LLC. He was contracted to fix homes in Little Egg Harbor, Toms River, Ship Bottom and Point Pleasant between July 2014 and August 2016. He was paid for that work, but instead took that money and used it for his own personal gain.
In addition to prison time, Rinaldi must make full restitution of $247,224.63.
Rinaldi also pleaded guilty to theft in the case of Brick Township homeowner. Billhimer said the state will seek 3 years prison and restitution of $34,475 in that case.
