Former Cayuga County Legislator Faces Felony Charges for Allegedly Taking Unfinished Landscaping Payments
Jeffrey Q. Blauvelt, a former Cayuga County legislator who was previously removed from office due to a criminal conviction, appeared in Cayuga County Court on January 3, facing serious charges related to an alleged landscaping fraud. Blauvelt, 66, from Throop, is accused of taking over $13,000 for landscaping work that was never completed.
Blauvelt is facing two counts of third-degree grand larceny (a Class D felony) and two counts of first-degree scheme to defraud (a Class E felony). The charges stem from two separate transactions in which Blauvelt’s landscaping company, Trident Storm Recovery, allegedly received payments but failed to finish the contracted work.
According to court records obtained by The Citizen, Blauvelt allegedly received an $8,890 check in September 2023 for sealing a parking lot and completing a 700-square-foot stamped concrete pad at a residence on South Lewis Street in Auburn. In addition, a $4,625 check was allegedly issued to Blauvelt’s company in August 2023 for the construction of a block foundation at a residence in Genoa. Neither project was completed as agreed, leading to the charges.
Cayuga County Chief Assistant District Attorney Chris Valdina confirmed that Blauvelt’s case was adjourned to February 20 for further proceedings. The felony complaints outline the nature of the work that was never completed, and Blauvelt’s failure to deliver the services after receiving the payments.
Blauvelt’s legal troubles follow his earlier removal from office due to a criminal conviction, and these new charges further tarnish his reputation. The case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding contractor fraud and the importance of ensuring that payments for services are tied to completed work.
As the legal process continues, Blauvelt will face further scrutiny in court next month. The investigation remains ongoing, and more details may emerge as the case unfolds.
