A Kittanning man is accused of contractor fraud after he reportedly did not return a deposit or complete a job in Middlesex Township for about nine months.

Kenneth R. Schaeffer, 62, was charged with one felony count each of false statement to induce agreement and receiving advance payment, and failing to perform following an April 11 incident.

Police said a man paid $4,000, half the agreed-upon price, to a man who claimed to be an employee and relative of Schaeffer. Police said they spoke with Schaffer, who explained the situation as a misunderstanding and planned to complete the work.

The man who reported the fraud provided police with text messages between himself and Schaeffer from September to June, which showed Schaeffer did not respond to the man about the check for three months at one point.

Police said Schaeffer reimbursed the man on June 20.

Schaeffer’s preliminary hearing before District Judge Jack Ripper is yet to be scheduled.