Action 9 confronts contractor over thousands in missing deposits

ORLANDO,Fla. — Several customers claim a local carpet contractor took thousands of dollars in deposits for carpeting that was never delivered.

Buppha Troung was impressed with what he read about Richard Rokowski's Elite Carpet on Home Advisor and Angie’s List.

“He was going to replace carpet in my daughter's room,” she said.

She said she liked his references and attitude.

“He was very nice and professional,” said Troung.

She paid Rokowski a $400 deposit for new carpeting.

“I feel violated,” said Troung. “The job never got done. The carpet was never delivered, and he took my money.”

His company is rated “F” at the Better Business Bureau for unanswered complaints.

One family claimed they lost $1,700.

A local Baptist church lost more than $5,000.

Orlando resident Maggie Carrick said she was also ripped off.

“(He) didn't show up.  Didn't call,” said Carrick.

She said Rokowski owed her $650 for carpet she never got, then promised to pay her back more than a year ago.

“Yeah, he says I'll get that check in the mail.  Yeah, here we are 2017,” said Carrick.

Action 9’s Todd Ulrich caught up with Rokowski at a home in east Orlando.

“Richard, they tell me you take deposits for carpeting then don't deliver,” said Ulrich.

“Can I take some time?” asked Rokowski.

“Customers say you've taken a lot of time already. Why can't you pay them back if you don't deliver carpets?” asked Ulrich.

“I will pay them back 100 percent. I am at fault and I have nothing to hide,” said Rokowski.

Troung said he had paid her back, but the check bounced.

“I don't want him doing this to anybody else,” she said.

“These customers tell me you’re a good guy, until you burn them and disappear,” Ulrich told Rokowski.

“There are 1,000 customers I do good work for,” replied Rokowski.

Rokowski promised he would start paying customers back this week.

For any flooring contractor, if there's a deposit for supplies, it’s recommended that customers use credit cards so they can dispute delays and problems.

Cox Media Group