A Butler contractor was charged after police said he received advance payment for a service in Butler Township and ceased communication.

Billy J. Abrams, 44, was charged with one felony count each of receiving advance payment and failing to perform, theft and receiving stolen property following the March 27 incident.

Police said the client reported Abrams was contracted for work on a heating and air conditioning unit and visited the home Aug. 7 with an estimate and invoice for the project, which was $10,700 with $8,000 paid in cash for materials. The client told Abrams the project was to be completed before it got cold outside.

Police said the client began to call and text Abrams when she did not hear from him by October. Abrams would offer reasons for not completing the project and said it would be completed soon.

Police said Abrams stopped answering calls and texts from the client in March.

Police said they contacted the contracting company listed on the invoice and spoke to the owner, who said Abrams is not his employee. The owner reportedly told police Abrams is used as a laborer, if extra help is needed, but had never been given a job by himself and has never had access to an invoice sheet.

Abrams’ preliminary hearing is pending.