Lake Luzerne Man Arrested for Taking Payment on Unfinished Yard Work

Lake Luzerne Man Charged with Grand Larceny Over Unfinished Yard Work

A Lake Luzerne man was arrested after failing to refund payment for a yard work job he never completed, according to New York State Police.

Andre L. Ovitt, 52, agreed in November 2020 to remove trees from a property in Hadley, NY, under a signed contract, promising to finish the work by spring. However, when the time came, Ovitt informed the homeowner that he could not complete the job—but refused to return the down payment.

Investigation & Arrest

After attempts to negotiate alternative projects failed and no work was completed, the homeowner reported the incident to authorities. Following an investigation, Ovitt was arrested on July 2, 2021, and charged with third-degree grand larceny, a felony.

He was arraigned in Hadley Town Court and is scheduled to appear again on July 21, 2021.

What’s Next?

As the legal process unfolds, authorities are reminding homeowners to protect themselves when hiring contractors by securing written contracts and verifying credentials.

For updates on Lake Luzerne, Hadley, Hadley-Luzerne, Town of Day, and Stony Creek, visit HadleyLuzerne.com.