A Horseheads man was arrested in Waterloo last week after state police said he took a $15,000 cash payment for a construction project in Big Flats but completed only limited work and failed to return the money.
William J. Groff, 48, was charged with third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony, following an investigation that began in March.
State police said a Big Flats resident reported paying Groff $15,000 toward a construction project with a total cost of about $43,000.
According to investigators, Groff performed about two hours of work at the residence on Dec. 10, 2025, including limited drywall and framing work. The homeowner told police the work was incomplete and did not meet the agreed-upon specifications.
Police said the homeowner made repeated attempts to contact Groff about completing the project or returning the $15,000 payment.
The case was later taken over by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Groff was located Aug. 13 in the village of Waterloo on an outstanding bench warrant issued through Horseheads Town Court. He was taken to the state police barracks in Horseheads for processing.
Groff was arraigned in Big Flats Town Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $10,000 bond.
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