Homeowners Defrauded of Over $120K; Contractor Faces Up to 14 Years

Jury Finds New York Man Guilty of Grand Larceny and Scheme to Defraud

A New York contractor accused of taking more than $120,000 from homeowners across multiple construction projects has been convicted following a jury trial. Prosecutors announced that 35-year-old Kevin Hackett, of Wurtsboro, NY, was found guilty on all charges, including Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree.

Hackett faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 4⅔ years up to 14 years when he appears for sentencing on January 5, 2026. Following the verdict, he was remanded to the county jail without bail.

Pattern of False Promises and Abandoned Work

According to evidence presented at trial, Hackett owned Operation Green Construction, a business he used to present himself as a qualified contractor. Prosecutors said he entered into three separate agreements in 2023 to perform work at homes in New York’s Hudson Valley region. Each time, he allegedly took large advance payments, demanded additional money, and then stopped work entirely.

The first case began in May 2023, when Hackett agreed to perform renovation work and received more than $38,000 upfront. After beginning demolition, he requested an additional $20,000. Although he received the extra payment, prosecutors said Hackett again demanded more money before abandoning the job and refusing to return.

Two months later, the same homeowners entered a second contract with Hackett for work at another property. They paid him more than $39,000, after which he requested an additional $24,000. After receiving that payment, prosecutors said he failed to perform further work and did not issue refunds.

In September 2023, Hackett secured $27,900 from a different homeowner for a third project. According to testimony, he performed no work at all and stopped communicating entirely.

Altogether, investigators said Hackett stole more than $120,000 from the three victims.

Investigative Collaboration Credited for Outcome

Prosecutors emphasized the work of the New York State Police and the Joint White Collar Crimes Task Force, whose investigation led to Hackett’s arrest and conviction. Officials noted that contractor-related fraud cases can be difficult to investigate because they often involve complex financial records, shifting timelines, and multiple victims.

“Unscrupulous contractors are every homeowner’s worst nightmare,” prosecutors said in the announcement. They noted that losing funds earmarked for major home repairs or renovations can have long-lasting financial consequences.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Tanja Beemer and Assistant District Attorney Jessica Sayre-Smith were credited with prosecuting the case.

Presumption of Innocence Highlighted

With the conviction secured, the case now moves to the sentencing phase in early January. Officials noted that contractor-fraud cases continue to be a priority as homeowners nationwide increasingly report financial losses tied to unfinished or improperly performed renovation work. Hackett will remain in custody until sentencing.