Contractor Arrested In Warrington For Home Improvement Fraud

WARRINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA ? A 54-year-old New Jersey contractor is facing fraud charges after failing to perform a home renovation project for a Warrington resident.

Richard Allen Smith, the owner of Build Right LLC in Salem, New Jersey, was arrested on April 10 and charged with two felony counts - home improvement fraud and theft by deception.

The Warrington Township Police Department launched an investigation on Sept. 23, 2024, when it was contacted by a resident who reported being the victim of contractor fraud.

The victim told police they hired Smith to perform home renovations for an estimated $8,687. The victim paid Smith a deposit of $7,601 to begin the project. Smith showed up on only two occasions, working approximately two hours each day for demolition, the resident told police. Afterward, Smith failed to return and repeatedly offered excuses when contacted by the victim, police said.

In August 2024, police said both parties agreed that Smith would refund the deposit. However, the funds were never returned. A criminal complaint was subsequently filed in District Court in October 2024.

Police said Smith was made aware of an arrest warrant but failed to turn himself in. He was later located and arrested in New Jersey. On April 10, the Bucks County Sheriff?s Department transported Smith to the Warrington Township Police Department where he was processed and bail was set by Judge Wertman at $100,000 unsecured.

At this time, the police do not believe there are additional victims. However, anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Richard Allen Smith or Build Right LLC should contact Officer Moller at 215-343-3311, ext. 249.