Delaware State Police
News Release

Lewes Man Arrested in New Construction Theft

Released Friday, February 20, 2009

Lewes – The Delaware State Police have arrested a 40-year-old Lewes man for one count of felony theft after he failed to comply with a contractual agreement on the purchase of hardwood flooring for a new home under construction.

The investigation began after a 55-year-old Lewes resident contacted police on February 11, 2009 to report he entered into a contract with Joseph B. Porcelli and his company Coastal Home Builders to have a home built on Jolyns Way in Lewes.

A portion of the contract specified 1100 feet of hardwood flooring was to be delivered to the home and used in the house. After the wood arrived, Mr. Porcelli informed the victim that he wanted more money than what was stipulated in the contract or he would cease working on the home. The victim who had already paid for the work refused to pay additional monies.

Approximately 3 weeks later, the victim noticed most of the hardwood flooring was gone. Subsequently, he contacted Mr. Porcelli who informed him there was a defect in the wood and he had to return it to the manufacturer. Not believing this series of events, the victim contacted the manufacturer and learned that the wood had not been returned and that there was no defect with the wood.

Moreover, the victim learned Porcelli contacted the manufacturer and told them that the victim had not paid him for the wood and asked them to in fact lie to the victim if he makes any inquires and say the wood was defective. The company refused to do this and confirmed Porcelli never returned any wood.

Detectives later confirmed these accounts and discovered Porcelli stole 820 feet of the hardwood flooring valued at $4,091.80. As such, arrest warrants were obtained for one count of felony theft on February 18. He turned himself into police this morning at 9:30 am and was formally charged and later released on his own recognizance.