Connecticut Contractor Charged in Theft Cases; Gambling Ties Cited

Authorities in Connecticut have charged 61-year-old contractor Don Zemo with several felonies tied to fraud, larceny, and writing bad checks in four towns. Zemo owns Prime Mechanical, an HVAC and plumbing business, and faces accusations of taking payments from clients and partners without delivering the promised work.

This multi-town investigation really puts a spotlight on the risks people face when hiring contractors—especially when money troubles might push someone to act dishonestly.

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Multi-Town Arrests Shake Trust in Local Contractor

Police from Stratford, New Canaan, Fairfield, and Brookfield all coordinated Zemo’s arrest on November 6. In Stratford, he’s looking at the harshest charge: first-degree larceny, a Class B felony, plus a count of writing a bad check for over $2,000.

The other three towns have each filed third-degree larceny charges, which Connecticut classifies as Class D felonies. That’s a lot of legal trouble in a short time.

Court records show Zemo posted $60,000 in bonds, using both cash and a bail bondsman. The case is working its way through the courts now, and victims are hoping to get their money back.

How the Investigation Began

Everything started with a complaint from a Stratford HVAC company in November 2024. They said Zemo owed $20,000 for subcontracted work, bounced a $10,600 check, and never paid the rest.

That complaint led police to dig deeper, and soon, similar stories popped up in other towns. It’s like the whole thing unraveled from there.

Zemo’s mother told investigators her son has a gambling problem and often visits casinos in Connecticut, especially near Norwich and Montville. Police think his gambling might be fueling his financial mess.

Victims Across Connecticut Speak Out

Here’s what authorities say victims have lost in each town:

New Canaan: A homeowner lost a $5,800 deposit for HVAC upgrades.
Fairfield: A property manager wrote a $5,769 check for unfinished work.
Brookfield: A business owner was out $2,500.
Stratford: The original complaint involved $20,000 in unpaid fees to a subcontractor.

Police see a clear pattern of fraud here, with Zemo allegedly targeting both homeowners and businesses. Folks in Milford, Danbury, and Bridgeport are starting to worry, too. Are their contractors trustworthy?

Community Impact and Consumer Awareness

Cases like this hurt more than just wallets—they chip away at trust in local service providers. In Connecticut, contractors really depend on word of mouth and reputation.

Now, many homeowners and business owners are rethinking how they hire contractors. People want to double-check references, verify licenses with the Department of Consumer Protection, and avoid big upfront payments without solid paperwork. Can you blame them?

Gambling Addiction Connection

The personal side of this case—Zemo’s gambling addiction—stands out. Police records mention family members who say he spends a lot of time at casinos, and his losses could be pushing him toward crime.

In places like Norwich and Montville, where casinos are part of daily life, addiction resources exist, but not everyone takes advantage of them. It’s a tough cycle to break.

Legal Consequences Ahead

If Zemo gets convicted on that first-degree larceny charge, he could face a long prison sentence and have to pay restitution. Class B felonies in Connecticut can mean up to 20 years behind bars.

Class D felonies aren’t as serious, but they still carry jail time and fines. The joint effort by police in Stratford, New Canaan, Fairfield, and Brookfield shows how seriously they’re taking financial crimes like this.

Protecting Yourself Against Contractor Fraud

If you live in places like Milford, Danbury, or Bridgeport, this story really hits home. It’s a wake-up call to stay on your toes when hiring contractors.

Check out contractor reviews online, and maybe poke around local business bureaus too.
Always double-check their licensing and insurance before you sign anything.
Get a written contract that spells out the job, the timeline, and when payments are due.
Try to use payment methods that give you some fraud protection, just in case.

Honestly, staying alert and a bit skeptical can make a big difference for Connecticut homeowners dealing with contractors.

People in Stratford, New Canaan, Fairfield, Brookfield, and all over the state are keeping an eye on this case. Everyone wants to know if the courts will actually deliver justice—and if the folks who lost out will ever feel like things are made right.

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Here is the source article for this story: Warrants for Connecticut contractor accused of thefts say gambling may be involved

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