A roofing contractor operating in Connecticut is under scrutiny after multiple customers have complained that he took deposits but doesn't follow through with the contracted work.

According to a release from the state’s Department of Consumer Protection, 14 complaints have been lodged against Lorenzo Desantis of Watertown, Conn., and his business, Invigorate LLC, since late 2022. Consumers in Watertown, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield and the Hartford area allege that Desantis has been taking deposits for roofing contracts but never performs any work.

Desantis was formerly registered as a home improvement contractor, and his registration expired in November 2021. His license for Invigorate LLC lapsed on March 31, 2023, according to department records.

The department is seeking additional information about Desantis’ activities to supplement its ongoing investigation.

“The public plays a vital role in helping to keep bad actors from doing business in our state. If you have information that could help in this investigation, please contact our agency immediately,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli in a written statement. “It’s also important for consumers to protect themselves and their neighbors by taking preventative steps to avoid becoming the victim of a scam when hiring a contractor for home improvement work. Do your research, check references, and, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

According to The Trumbull Times, Lorenzo, 27, has paid several customers back and plans to refund the rest by the Thanksgiving holiday.

"I'm working my tail off to get this done," Desantis told the Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

Desantis claims he has paid back $30,000 so far and will make another $9,000 payment by Sept. 7 when he is due back in court for an arrest related to the contracting deposits.

"It's my responsibility to pay the people back," he said.

The Department of Consumer Protection is unaware of any refund payments Desantis has made and has not determined any amounts for restitution. According to reporting from The Trumbull Times, Desantis was arrested on a charge of failure to pay a deposit on July 7 by Rocky Hill police. The charge, a misdemeanor, is related to a crime that occurred on March 7.