The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has recognized the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs for completing Operation “This Old House,” an undercover investigation aimed at identifying repeat violators in the home improvement sector.
Senior Investigator Anthony Fontana and Investigator Andrew Chenacharick led the operation, which took place from November 5 to November 13 at a confidential location in Manchester Township. The initiative was conducted with support from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and focused on contractors working without proper licenses or failing to comply with regulations in Ocean County.
“The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs takes proactive steps to protect our residents and ensure they can hire contractors with confidence,” said Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the department. “These enforcement efforts also safeguard honest businesses from being undermined by those who break the rules.”
As a result of the investigation, authorities issued 40 violations against six contractors known for unpaid fines, legal issues, and outstanding arrest warrants. Charges have been filed in Manchester Township Municipal Court, and fines sought exceed $250,000. The cases are also under review by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury and Division of Taxation.
“Ocean County residents deserve honest, reliable contractors,” said Ronald Heinzman, Director of the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs. “We will continue to pursue aggressive enforcement actions to safeguard our community.”
Cited companies include Guru Waterproofing LLC (Manahawkin), BN Construction Co. (Brick), Zack of All Trades (Little Egg Harbor), B and J Asphalt (Toms River), Best Black Top (Toms River), and Frogmen Construction (Bayville). Frogmen Construction faces charges at both state and county levels.
“These violations are not minor oversights, they represent serious breaches of trust and responsibility,” Chenacharick stressed.
The operation also determined that three randomly selected contractors were fully compliant with regulations.
“This operation sends a clear message that Ocean County will not tolerate contractors who exploit our residents and ignore the law,” Fontana said.
The Board extended thanks to Manchester Township Police Chief Antonio Ellis, Lt. Dave Fusaro, members of the Manchester Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy for their assistance during the operation.
“The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs remains dedicated to protecting residents from fraudulent and predatory business practices,” said Arace. “Operation ‘This Old House’ underscores the department’s ongoing mission to ensure fairness, transparency, and consumer protection across the county.”