Wyomissing contractor charged with refusing to refund $1800 to customer – Reading Eagle

A Wyomissing contractor has been arrested on home improvement charges stemming from a dispute with a Muhlenberg Township homeowner who hired him to replace kitchen countertops.

Michael J. Faust, 51, of the 1700 block of Dauphin Avenue was free on his own recognizance after arraignment Tuesday night before Senior District Judge Nicholas M. Bentz Sr. in Reading Central Court.

Court records indicate Faust was charged on Jan. 27 with home improvement fraud, a felony. Arrest details were not immediately available.

According to police:

On Nov. 20, the homeowner, a 66-year-old woman, contacted Muhlenberg police to file a complaint.

She told investigators that she entered into a contract with Faust, of Granite Zone Kitchen & Bath Design LLC, West Lawn, on Jan. 8, 2019, to replace her countertops.

She made a down payment of $1,800 by check for the work, and the money was deposited later that day in an account at Riverfront Federal Credit Union.

The woman said she decided to cancel the project two days later and contacted Faust by text, indicating she would like the check returned. Faust reportedly replied, Okay.

Faust further acknowledged her request to have the check returned, saying in a text on Jan. 11, 2019, that he would have the shop issue a check to the homeowner.

Police said charges were filed after repeated attempts by the homeowners attorney, the state attorney generals office and Muhlenberg police to have Faust refund the money were unsuccessful.

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Wyomissing contractor charged with refusing to refund $1800 to customer - Reading Eagle