Cops: Queens man defrauded clients of snow removal services

Police said he left his would-be customers snowed under.

A Queens man contracted at least 15 Nassau County residents for snow removal services, accepting payment in advance, then never showed to clear the clients' driveways, police said — disconnecting his phone, so the customers couldn't reach him when he didn't deliver on his promise.

Following an investigation, Nassau County police said, Fourth Squad detectives on Friday arrested Christopher Picone, 32, of Middle Village, charging him with two counts of first-degree scheme to defraud and third-degree grand larceny. He was scheduled for arraignment Friday in First District Court in Hempstead. 

Police said that on Dec. 5, Picone "began to contact people through cellphone and social media," offering snow removal services for the coming winter season.

Over the course of weeks, police said, Picone contacted at least 15 victims, who then paid to retain his services for the season.

But, police said in a news release Friday, Picone "never showed on multiple occasions to remove snow" from client driveways and property, and disconnected his phone "to stop any attempts to be contacted" by his victims. That led to a police investigation and the eventual arrest.

It was not immediately clear if Picone is represented by counsel.

Police said investigators are trying to determine if there are additional victims and are asking anyone who believes they might have been a victim to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS.

All calls will remain confidential.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”