Delaware State Police have arrested 57-year-old Dinetta Kerfoot and 49-year-old Thomas Kerfoot, both from Bel Air, Maryland, in connection with a home improvement fraud case in Newark.
The investigation began on April 12, 2024, following reports of fraud involving an elderly victim whose home was destroyed by fire in June 2022. In December 2022, the victim entered into a contract with Cornerstone Restoration, owned by the Kerfoots, to rebuild her home, with an expected completion date set for September 2023. The victim provided Dinetta Kerfoot with an initial payment of over $80,000 as part of three payments stipulated in the contract. Between December 2022 and January 2024, the victim paid Cornerstone Restoration a total exceeding $298,000 for the reconstruction.
As of March 2024, the rebuilding project had not been completed, and three subcontractors hired by Cornerstone Restoration reported that they had not been compensated for their work. Despite multiple attempts to contact Dinetta and Thomas Kerfoot, the victim was unable to reach them and has not received any refunds.
Following the investigation, Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives secured warrants for the couple’s arrest. On July 30, 2024, both Dinetta and Thomas Kerfoot turned themselves in at Troop 2 and were subsequently charged with several offenses.
Dinetta Kerfoot faces the following charges:
- Home Improvement Fraud $100,000 or Greater (Felony)
- Home Improvement Fraud $1,500 or Greater (Felony) – 2 counts
- Theft of Services Over $1,500 (Felony) – 4 counts
- Theft by False Promise Over $1,500 (Felony)
- Conspiracy 2nd Degree (Felony)
Thomas Kerfoot has been charged with the same offenses and both were arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2, where they were released on a $76,000 unsecured bond.
