WAUKESHA -- A Waukesha couple lost more than $11,000 after a man agreed to complete home improvement work and instead took their money and ran.
According to Waukesha police, Thomas Krivitz of Greenfield agreed to complete the work back in May but after only doing about six hours of work, he never returned to the house.
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Richard Hunn said he hired Krivitz to do some work on his gutters and deck. They signed a contract that said the work would be finished in 10 business days and Hunn would pay Krivitz in two separate payments.
"After the $6,200 second payment, I never saw him again," Hunn said.
During the course of their investigation, Waukesha police said they learned Krivitz has recently spent $350,000 while gambling.
"It's a large amount of money," said Waukesha Police Detective Thomas Casey. "There's no way he could be making that money legitimately so we figure that is probably from other victims as well."
Police said they know of at least three victims, including Richard Hunn. They hope additional victims will come forward.
"I should have caught it a lot sooner because the guy was just making things up as he went along," Hunn said.
Hunn said he checked references on Krivitz and even looked his company up with the Better Business Bureau.
Police said his company is called "TK Improvements." While it isn't accredited with the BBB, it does currently have a B+ rating.
While Hunn said he doesn't think he will get any of his money back, he hopes speaking out will help other victims come forward.
"I'm stuck now trying to find somebody else to finish this job before winter hopefully," Hunn said.
Police said Krivitz now faces a felony Theft by Contractor charge. He's expected back in court at the end of October.
Police ask anyone with information about Krivitz or who believe they were also a victim to contact Detective Casey at 262-524-3924.
