A contractor accused of taking more than $150,000 for work he didn’t complete is in custody in Monroe County.

On Thursday, shortly after 9 a.m., Anthony Valera of Pocono Summit, turned himself in to detectives with the Monroe County Office of the District Attorney at District Justice Colleen Mancuso’s court in Brodheadsville.

He is facing charges levied against him related to the alleged theft of $154,400 from five different customers/families who signed contracts with him for construction/home improvement projects. A preliminary arraignment was held by Judge Mancuso and Anthony Valera’s bail was set at $30,000.00, secured.

Valera was also wanted by the Pennsylvania State Police Fern Ridge station for unrelated charges, the lead charge namely being theft by deception, a felony of the third degree. Valera was also wanted by the Monroe County Office of Domestic Relations. Valera was arrested by Detectives for these warrants as well and he is currently incarcerated at Monroe County Correctional Facility on his $30,000 secured bail and is also being held there on a detainer by domestic relations.

Investigation by the Monroe County Office of the District Attorney Criminal Investigations Division is ongoing, and has determined that there may be more alleged victims who have not yet come forward.

If you believe that you are a victim of contractor fraud perpetrated by Anthony Valera, or any of his businesses, make a report by contacting Detective Thomas McMahon at 570-517-3025 or by email at TJMcMahon@monroecountypa.gov.

Valera has done business under the following business names: Valera Home Improvement LLC, Pocono Custom Home Builders Corp., Valera Custom Home Builders LLC, and V.H.I. LLC.