Man Charged With Unlicensed Contracting in Bedford

Mark Cooper, of Port Jervis, NY, was arrested on April 26 after police received a complaint about an individual soliciting driveway paving jobs at a residence.

Police obtained a description of Cooper's car on April 19 from a Bedford resident who reported a suspcious person. On April 26, a police officer saw a car on Route 172 that matched that description.

After stopping Cooper, 34, police asked him what he was doing in the area. Cooper replied that he was completing some work on Old Wagon Road in Bedford.

Police interviewed the homeowner who confirmed Cooper was doing the work. Police discovered he was unlicensed and charged him with unlicensed home improvement contracting and town soliciting/peddling without license. His equipment was seized and he was released on $500 bail.

Hiring unlicensed workers could bring trouble for homeowners, said Police Lieutenant Jeffrey Dickan.

"During the economic downturn many homeowners turn to the least expensive option available," he said. There are liability issues if someone gets hurt on your property, he added, and unlicensed contractors can perform unsafe or shoddy work—and without a license, there's little chance for restitution if something goes wrong.

"Residents should use licensed workers who are regulated for their own safety and to have assurances," said Dickan.

To verify that a home improvement contractor is currently licensed to perform home improvement work, contact the Department of Consumer Protection in Westchester County at 914-995-2155 or through their website. 

You can also contact the New York State Attorney General's consumer helpline at 800-771-7755 or visit their website.