HEATING CONTRACTOR GUILTY IN SWEDESBORO
August 16, 2007, Christopher Maxie owner of Maxie Heating and Cooling, Mickleton, NJ plead guilty to installing a hot water heater on April 17, 2007.
The case was heard by the Honorable Judge Lacavara of Swedesboro Municipal Court. Prior to the court session Maxie stated to the Prosecutor and Gary Devine that he did the customer a favor.
Responding to the statement Maxie was asked:
- Why he charged the homeowner $178.00 to install the heater if it was a favor?
- Why did he write a bill for an evaporator coil and not the water heater (the coil was not replaced)?
Maxie had no answer. Mr. Devine explained to Mr. Maxie that the water heater may have been installed against the state plumbing code and in addition failed to obtain the required UCC permit (a $ 2,000.00 fine) and above all violated the NJ Plumbing Law NJ 45:14C-12.3 when he installed the water heater. (to find out more about the law click here)
The honorable Judge Lacavara reviewed the facts of the case and issued the following penalties:
- $200 fine;
- Safe neighborhood compensation of $75;
- Violent crimes compensation of $50;
- Court Cost of $32
- Plumbing restraining order issued by the Judge.
The Judge asked why the request for a plumbing restraining order?
Gary Devine stated…
“Your honor it carries more teeth behind it when it is ordered by the court”
The Judge agreed!
Salem and Cumberland Member Bill White was in the court and felt the Judge did a great job.
Mike Heller
Editor
www.MyNJPlumber.com
Note: this story was comprised from an e-mail sent by Gary J. Devine Enforcement Chairman for Gloucester and Salem County Plumbers Associations
