A Cream Ridge contractor has been charged following an investigation into an unpaid construction materials purchase that authorities say left a local business with a significant outstanding balance.

According to the Lakewood Police Department, Daniel Sachkowsky, 44, of Cream Ridge, was charged on May 5 with bad checks and theft by deception.

Police said the investigation began after Woodhaven Lumber reported an unpaid balance connected to construction materials purchased through NJ Home Builders & Renovations in 2023.

Detectives determined that after the materials were delivered, the payment for the transaction was disputed, resulting in what authorities described as a substantial unpaid balance.

Investigators found that several partial payments were made over time, but the balance was never fully paid. According to police, communication with the business eventually ceased.

Following the investigation, Sachkowsky was charged and issued a summons pending future court proceedings.

“These types of cases can have a serious financial impact on local businesses,” said Chief Greg Meyer. “Our detective conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this transaction, and when it became clear the balance would not be rectified, appropriate charges were filed.”