Thomas Anello, 52, of Mount Carmel, is accused of bilking a Tamaqua woman out of more than $80,000.

The victim told police she needed home improvements and was contacted by Anello, who said he was an honest contractor with years of experience.

He prepared a contract through his business, Xtreme Design LLC, and the woman made a payment. Police said Anello began trench work but stopped soon thereafter.

The woman said she had a second contract for a ranch house and paid him $48,285.92. Anello never began the project.

In all, the woman paid $80,123.22.

Police charged Anello earlier this month with theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, false statement to induce agreement for home improvements and home improvement fraud.

He is out on $50,000 cash bail and is awaiting a preliminary hearing