Local contractor apologizes after accusations of not doing work, pocketing money

SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A local contractor who was charged with not doing work and pocketing thousands of dollars given to him by customers apologized before facing a judge Thursday.

Vincent Baer – with Kale Construction – came to court accused of deception and defrauding a homeowner from Whitehall, taking thousands of dollars of her money to renovate her rental property in Scott Township, but not doing the work.

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“Our intent was never to hurt anybody or defraud anybody,” said Baer.

Baer was also charged with theft for not paying a local landscaper the money he owed him.

During his court appearance, Baer apologized to his alleged victims and brought an $11,000 to pay them back.

Charges of home improvement fraud, theft and deceptive business practices were dismissed – replaced with two counts of criminal mischief.

However, his former customers told Channel 11 they didn’t buy his apology.

“He’s going to go back and (defraud someone else) as soon as he can,” said one former customer.

Those checks of restitution to the victims will remain property of the court. By law, they will be sent to the victims in 30 days.

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