Man Bilks Three Southern Ocean County Homeowners For Repairs On Sandy-Damaged Homes

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Manchester Township man has been arrested on charges of taking more than $75,000 from four homeowners to repair their homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy and not completing the work, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced Friday.

Darin Smith, 45, of Whiting, has been charged with second-degree theft, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the prosecutor's office.

Smith, the owner of Heritage Construction Enterprises Corporation, was indicted Sept. 27 by an Ocean County grand jury on the theft charge, Della Fave said.

He is accused of entering into contracts with four separate homeowners - including one in Long Beach Township, one in Ship Bottom and one in Tuckerton - and one in Toms River, Della Fave said.

Smith spent in excess of $75,000 that he received from the homeowners on personal expenses, according to the indictment, Della Fave said.

The case was investigated by Detective Lindsay Llauget of the prosecutor's office.

Anyone with information regarding Smith or Heritage Constructions Enterprises Corporation is asked to contact Detective Eric Ludwick of the prosecutor’s office at 732-929-2027.

Darin Smith photo via Ocean County Prosecutor's Office