CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man is facing three felony charges for taking payment for construction work that he never completed.
Arlo J. Barner, 50, was charged by Clearfield Regional Police with theft by deception, false statement to induce agreement for home improvement services and receives advance payment for services and fails to perform, in connection with his actions in August through October.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the victim reported to police in December he hired Barner to work on a property on Turnpike Avenue. In August, Barner was paid $6,000 in cash and given a check for $5,000 more.
The project was “going slow” and Barner asked for more money for supplies and subcontractors to help him complete the work. The victim gave him an additional amount of $10,000 in checks from August, September, and October.
In October, the victim visited the property and discovered all the tools were gone. He made attempts to contact Barner but was unable to reach him. When the victim talked to one of the workers, the worker said they were told to leave the project.
Eventually, in November, Barner agreed to refund $17,000 for the uncompleted work and materials. Numerous appointments were made for Barner to return the money, but he continually canceled or failed to show up, the victim told police.
In an interview with investigators, Barner agreed he did not finish the job and again said he would pay the victim back $17,000, and even set up a time for the following Monday to do it. However, Barner cancelled again and set up other times without ever actually meeting with the victim. Police say he never paid the money back.
The agreement reportedly included Barner purchasing, doors, toilets, vanities, bathtub, fixtures, trim and drywall to complete the project. The total paid was $21,522.90, according to the criminal complaint.
Barner waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court, sending the case on to the county court for further disposition. He is free on $5,000, unsecured bail.
