A Brooklyn contractor faces grand larceny charges after allegedly misusing funds intended for a Park Slope renovation project, leaving a local couple in financial distress. The accused, Hayk Safaryan, 43, stands accused of pocketing $318,000 meant for home improvements, splurging on luxury purchases like a Porsche, designer goods, and extravagant Airbnb bookings. Safaryan appeared before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on Feb. 3, where he was charged with second-degree grand larceny. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, he was released without bail and is scheduled to appear in court again on April 2.
The investigation conducted by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office revealed that Safaryan, a licensed general contractor at the time, had entered into an agreement with the couple in December 2021 to renovate their Park Slope brownstone. The couple had signed a contract on June 15, 2022, detailing the scope of work and budget, with a substantial $322,000 deposit wired to Safaryan’s account two days later. However, instead of commencing construction as agreed, Safaryan allegedly diverted the majority of the funds to personal expenses, leaving the renovation project in limbo.
Prosecutors uncovered a trail of exorbitant spending by Safaryan, including a down payment for a luxury SUV, rental arrears, and expensive purchases from high-end designer brands. The accused reportedly lavished thousands of dollars on hotels, restaurants, and bars, painting a picture of unchecked indulgence at the expense of his clients’ trust and financial well-being. Furthermore, Safaryan’s failure to renew his general contractor’s license added a layer of legal complexity to the unfolding scandal, highlighting a blatant disregard for professional standards and ethical business practices.
The Park Slope couple found themselves embroiled in a frustrating battle to recover their lost funds, facing a wall of silence and evasive responses from Safaryan. Despite repeated demands for accountability, the contractor allegedly provided vague excuses and failed to deliver on his promises, leaving the couple in a state of financial distress and emotional turmoil. The breaking point came when Safaryan ceased all communication, prompting the couple to seek intervention from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Action Center in a desperate bid for justice.
District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned Safaryan’s actions, emphasizing the impact of his alleged deception on the trusting family. Gonzalez reaffirmed his office’s commitment to rooting out fraud in the home improvement industry, vowing to pursue justice for victims of criminal misconduct. The case serves as a cautionary tale of the risks inherent in hiring contractors and the importance of due diligence in safeguarding one’s financial interests when embarking on home improvement projects.
In the wake of this scandal, the Park Slope community and beyond are left grappling with the fallout of a contractor’s betrayal, underscoring the need for vigilance and transparency in business dealings. As the legal proceedings unfold, questions linger about the broader implications of Safaryan’s alleged misconduct and the need for greater oversight in the construction industry. The repercussions of this case extend far beyond the walls of a single brownstone, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity in all professional endeavors.
