🚨 JERSEY SHORE CONTRACTOR CHARGED IN ALLEGED $361K HOME IMPROVEMENT FRAUD SCHEME

A 49-year-old Egg Harbor Township man is facing multiple criminal charges following an investigation into an alleged contractor fraud scheme that investigators say resulted in more than $361,000 in losses.

The Brigantine Police Department said detectives began investigating in July 2026 after two residents reported that they had allegedly been victimized by a contractor hired to perform work on their home during 2024 and 2025.

According to police, Detective Rao's investigation identified Kevin O. Crafton, who authorities allege obtained more than $361,000 from the victims by making false claims about expenses connected to their home project.

Investigators said Crafton allegedly represented that the victims owed money for permitting costs, geotechnical testing, legal fees and fines that authorities say did not actually exist or occur.

Police said Crafton was working as a foreman for LDC Design & Construction, LLC at the time of the alleged scheme.

Authorities further allege that Crafton created multiple Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone numbers and used them to impersonate engineers, city officials, architects and an attorney in an effort to convince the victims that the fraudulent expenses were legitimate.

Crafton was charged on September 8, 2026, with theft by deception, four counts of criminal impersonation, computer criminal activity, forgery and falsifying records.

Police said Crafton was arrested on September 21 and lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

🔎 Authorities are now asking anyone who hired Crafton or LDC Design & Construction, LLC for home improvement work and believes they may have been victimized to come forward.

Anyone with information or concerns is asked to contact Brigantine Police Detective Rao at 609-264-7909 or prao@brigantinenj.gov.

⚖️ All charges are accusations, and Crafton is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.