A man who ran a fencing business without a license – and took money from customers without performing the work promised – will spend time in jail, on probation, and must repay his victims, a judge ruled Monday.
Robert Vernon Perrini, 38, of Manahawkin, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Michael Collins to 180 days in the Ocean County Jail, plus five years of probation. Over those five years, he must return approximately $11,000 he took from customers. Perrini previous pleaded guilty to a theft charge.
An investigation by the prosecutor’s office’s Economic Crimes Unit found Perrini, of Perrini and Sons Fences, contracted with multiple individuals for the purchase and installation of a fence on their property. For each victim, prosecutors said, Perrini would draw up a contract, provide an estimated completion time, and take a deposit. After receiving the initial deposit, Perrini did not complete the contracts, nor did he refund any of the customer’s money.
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Five victims filed complaints against Perrini for incomplete work. Through the investigation, it was learned that Perrini was working without a valid contractor’s registration.
He is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail.