Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe today announced that three individuals have been charged with Grand Larceny for allegedly stealing more than $25,700 from local homeowners for improvements that were either not finished, or never even started.

Charged are:

· Vatche Galstian (DOB 07/19/69) of 23 Third Street Congers, New York
One count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a class “E” Felony

· John Hill (DOB 05/13/60) of 255 Pine Island Turnpike, Warwick, New York
One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felony

· Mark Baumann (DOB 08/17/64) of 25 Lindbergh Lane, New City, New York
One count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class “D” Felony

The arrests resulted from an investigation conducted by the Special Investigations Unit of the Office of the

District Attorney and the Rockland County Department of Consumer Affairs. District Attorney Zugibe said, “We have zero tolerance for unscrupulous contractors defrauding homeowners. Workmen who take payment for renovations, then purposely fail to complete, or sometimes to even start a project, are deliberately breaking the law and are stealing a victims’ hard-earned money." We are aggressive on these cases and will make certain that any contractor who swindles a customer receives prompt, appropriate penalties.”

Galstian is alleged to have stolen $1,500 from a 90-year-old Spring Valley homeowner with whom he had contracted to replace a sewer connection from his residence. According to the charges, the customer gave the defendant a down payment of $1,500, which represented half of the $2,800 total cost of the project.

It is alleged that Galstian failed to perform any work for the victim. When the customer demanded the return of his money, the defendant provided two checks, which were returned for insufficient funds.

A subsequent investigation revealed that Galstian was illegally working under the license of a retired contractor who never gave permission or authority for the use of his license.

The defendant was arraigned in the Village of Spring Valley Justice Court by the Honorable Alan Simon and released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to court on May 12, 2011.

If convicted, the defendant faces up to four years in prison.

Hill, an employee of Lowe’s Home Improvement in Orangeburg, allegedly solicited business from store customers while working his regular shift.

According to the charges, the defendant convinced a Valley Cottage couple to hire him for several home improvement projects, including outdoor stucco work and replacement of a new front door. Hill provided a false certificate of insurance and a bogus home improvement license to the victims.

After an initial payment of $8,200, Hill performed minimal work on the home, then never returned. The victims contacted Lowe’s and discovered that materials for the project were never ordered.

When the customers demanded the return of their money, the defendant provided a $2,000 check to victims, which was returned for insufficient funds.

The defendant was arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court by the Honorable Scott Ugell and released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to court on May 16, 2011.

If convicted, the defendant faces up to seven years in prison.

In May, 2009, Baumann, a home improvement contractor, entered into a large-scale home renovation contract with a Pearl River homeowner. During the next year, the defendant failed to pay approximately $16,000 to various subcontractors. As a result, a Mechanics Lien was placed on victim’s home by plumbing subcontractor. The customer subsequently discovered that other subcontractors had not been paid.

According to the charges, Baumann failed to respond to repeated inquiries by the victim regarding payments to subcontractors.

The defendant is accused of walking away from the job and failing to provide an accounting or return of the victim’s money.

Baumann was arraigned in the Clarkstown Justice Court by the Honorable Rolf Thorsen and released on his own recognizance. He is due to return to court on May 16, 2011.

Said Zugibe, “The results of this sweep should serve to alert homeowners. If you're looking for a home improvement contractor, check with Consumer Protection and only do business with licensed contractors that have a solid reputation.”

Both the District Attorney and the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection encourage homeowners who believe that they have been similarly victimized by Galstian, Hill and Baumann to come forward.

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