BELFAST — An alleged broken roofing contract led to the arrest of a Northport man, charged with felony home repair fraud.

Stephen E. Boyle, 46, reportedly entered into the contract with a Belfast resident in April, but failed to actually work on the roof in question, according to Belfast Police Detective Gerald Lincoln.

Investigating officer Michael Boucher found that the contract was for $6,600, half of which was paid up front.

The homeowner tried to contact Boyle in the months following the agreement, but only managed to speak with him on occasion, Lincoln said.

Although Boyle reportedly assured the owner he would soon begin, he never did. It was later discovered that Boyle never purchased any materials for the project, and failed to take any significant steps to honor the contract.

While the crime of home repair fraud is typically a misdemeanor offense, related prior convictions resulted in the charge being a class c felony.

Boyle is expected to appear in court Sept. 22.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com