New York’s Sufford County.Raymond A. Tierney, the district attorney for Suffolk County, announced Wednesday that a Huntington man has been charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument for allegedly filing a phony building permit during a residential construction project in 2021.
Tool Time Construction, Inc.’s 37-year-old owner, Robert Cortese, is charged with providing a Great River homeowner with a false Town of Islip building permit despite not having the necessary permission or a current Suffolk County contractor’s license. On Tuesday, Cortese turned himself in and was taken into custody.
The expenses are related to an installation project for a pool and pool house that started in May 2021. According to reports, Cortese assured the homeowner that he would obtain the required permits from the Town of Islip. In October 2021, Cortese allegedly produced a document asserting that it was a legitimate town permission following the client’s continuous inquiries.
Later on, though, the Town of Islip Building Department verified that neither a permit nor an application had been submitted for the property. After more research, it was discovered that Cortese did not have a current home improvement contractor license in the county and that the permit that was submitted was purportedly fake.
According to existing state legislation, Cortese was released without posting bond.
On Tuesday, Cortese was charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, a Class D felony, before District Court Judge Steven Weissbard. Cortese was freed without bond since the charge is not eligible for bail under the current bail statutes in New York State.
After the arraignment, District Attorney Tierney released a statement cautioning homeowners about employing contractors. According to Tierney, we consistently collaborate with the Department of Consumer Affairs to caution homeowners against working with unlicensed contractors.
On August 6, Cortese is expected to make another court appearance. He may spend two to seven years in state prison if found guilty.
