A Cape Coral man entered a written plea of not guilty Monday to four counts of grand theft for allegedly not making good on his business contracts.
Brian Joseph Citrano, 52, of 309 N.E. 30th Terrace, is accused of taking money from at least four people to connect their Key Largo homes to the sewer, according to official documents. He took a $400 deposit from each person, but he never did the work nor returned the deposits to the four.
On Oct. 6, Citrano was booked into the Plantation Key Detention Center in Plantation Key on four felony counts of grand larceny $100,000 or more. He was released on $40,000 bond, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reported.
On Monday, Citrano pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him.
Attorney Joseph Davidow, of Musca Law, is the lead attorney defending Citrano. Davidow could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but the owner of Musca Law, which has offices in Naples and Key West, spoke on the case.
“We’re exercising his constitutional right,” Attorney John Musca said. “He’s presumed innocent.”
Assistant State Attorney Ali Kadir is prosecuting the case.
According to documents, Citrano is the owner of Master Piping and Plumbing Inc. He took the deposits from the victims between Feb. 25 and June 14, with the estimated cost of the work ranging from $1,800-$3,350 for each home. When no work was done, the victims tried unsuccessfully to contact him.
None of the reported victims could be reached for comment Tuesday.