On August 13, 2026, the New York State Police arrested William J. Groff, age 48, of Horseheads, NY, in connection with a grand larceny investigation in the town of Big Flats.
The investigation began March 23, 2026, after troopers received a complaint from a Big Flats resident who reported paid Groff $15,000 in cash for construction work at his residence. The total cost of the project was reportedly $43,000.
According to the investigation, Groff performed approximately two hours of work at the residence on December 10, 2025, completing limited drywall and framing work. The complainant reported that the work was incomplete and did not meet the agreed-upon specifications. The complainant subsequently made numerous attempts to contact Groff regarding completion of the project or the return of the $15,000 payment.
The investigation was adopted by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
On August 13, 2026, Groff was located and apprehended by law enforcement in the village of Waterloo, Seneca County, based on the outstanding bench warrant in the Town of Horseheads Court. He was transported to SP Horseheads, where he was processed.
Groff was charged with Grand Larceny 3rd (D felony).
Groff was arraigned in the Town of Big Flats Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $2,500 cash bail or $10,000 bond.