Hudson Valley Contractor Pleads Guilty To Defrauding Local Church, Homeowners

A local contractor admitted he defrauded a number of Hudson Valley homeowners and a local church.

In Orange County Court, 51-year-old Fortunato “Ken” Febus of Wappingers Falls pleaded guilty to scheme to defraud, repeated failure to file personal income tax returns, failure to obey a tax department subpoena, criminal possession of a forged instrument and bail jumping.

Febus admitted that he schemed and defrauded a number of victims who hired him as a building contractor, over a three year period.

Victims include a church in the Town of Wawayanda, homeowners in the City of Middletown, two different homeowners in the City of Newburgh, and homeowners and business owners in Sullivan and Dutchess counties, officials say.

Febus revealed that took money from each job, but then never completed the jobs. He then spent the money on himself and didn’t repay his debts.

Febus also admitted not filing New York State Personal Income Tax returns for 2012, 2013 and 2014. And not complying with a Tax Department Subpoena.

“This defendant has repeatedly defrauded home owners, and even a church,” Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler stated. “Unscrupulous contractors give legitimate contractors an undeserved bad name. Hopefully, this case will deter other home improvement contractors who are tempted to defraud their customers.”

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will recommend a prison sentence. Febus will be sentenced in March.