Syracuse contractor ordered to pay restitution for violating court order

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A Syracuse contractor doing business as Under Construction has been fined $2,000 and ordered to pay more than $40,000 in restitution for work New York Attorney General (AG) Eric Schneiderman said was shoddy or never done.

Jason Briere, 41, was in trouble with the attorney general back in 2014 when Schneiderman sued him for “illegal and deceptive acts and practices.” Schneiderman said Briere was banned from operating a contracting business unless he posted a $25,000 performance bond with the AG’s office.

But recent complaints showed Briere was still at it, Schneiderman said in a release announcing the settlement with the man.

Photographs from the AG’s office show messes left behind by Briere, including a debris pile and a badly damaged ceiling.

The agreement requires Briere to pay back $40,420 to reimburse four customers. He’s required to make monthly payments to the AG’s office until the four are paid off, as well as 13 customers from the 2014 case. Briere was also fined $2,000 for criminal contempt, but the sentencing on contempt charges will be deferred as long as Briere complies with the terms of the settlement and keeps making payments, Schneiderman said.

The attorney general urged others who may have been defrauded by Briere to contact his office. To be eligible for restitution, complaints must be filed by March 12, he said. Complaints can be made online or by phone at (315) 448-4848.

Contact McChesney at cmcchesney@cnybj.com.