NORTH BERGEN AND BEYOND – After a female North Bergen resident called police today, claiming that a contractor took $10,000 from her but never rendered any services, police arrested Rafael Perez, 38, of Union City, for theft by deception and for using bad checks.
According to Commander of the Detective Bureau Lt. Frank Cannella, Perez has handed out his business cards for general construction across town, including at North Bergen’s Home Depot and Loew’s stores, but that he allegedly has no license to perform such work.
The female resident contacted police after she had given Perez $10,000, but according to her, he never performed any work on her home. She says Perez offered her a $2,500 refund check, but police say the checks were for a closed checking account.
Police received notification that he would be in the area and set up surveillance around Wednesday. Perez was arrested around 11 a.m.
“While he was being arrested, a search [allegedly] revealed a badge and handcuffs as well, and additional charges will be filed,” said Cannella.
Cannella said that anyone who may have been victimized by Perez should call the North Bergen Detective Bureau at (201) 392-2092.
For more information on this incident, as well as others, read the North Bergen Reporter’s Police Beat this weekend. – Tricia Tirella
Police: allegedly phony contractor caught with handcuffs
