Merrick Couple Victimized by Unlicensed Contractor

A Centereach man was arrested after he allegedly promised to renovate a Merrick couple's kitchen and then stole $10,000 without completing the work.

According to Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice's office, Gregory Vadjinia, 45, approached the elderly couple on Dec. 5, 2012. He had performed electrical and flooring work for them a month earlier.

Allegedly doing unlicensed work out of his home as 2nd Chance Design, Vadjinia offered to install a new kitchen in their home for $21,000. The female owner agreed and was taken to the store by Vadjinia to pick out cabinets and other materials, officials said.

She gave Vadjinia a $10,000 down payment, and Vadjinia cashed the check but never returned to start the job. He also never provided the cabinets or other materials to the couple, and he ignored repeated phone calls. 

Vadjinia was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with third-degree grand larceny and operating a home improvement business without a license. He faces up to seven years in prison and is due back in court Nov. 1.

"Mr. Vadjinia targeted this couple specifically because he thought that they would be easy marks, but his arrest is the direct result of their refusal to be victimized," Rice said. "Unlicensed contractors can cause more damage than they were hired to repair, so it is essential that anyone looking to hire a contractor do their homework. Contact the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs to ensure that the people you hire are licensed professionals."

Assistant District Attorney Edward Bradley of DA Rice’s Government & Consumer Frauds Bureau is prosecuting the case.