A Boardman contractor who had theft cases across several counties in the Mahoning Valley has received his sentencing in Columbiana County on Friday.

John Bartos was sentenced to 90 days in jail plus three years of probation on several charges of theft stemming from pocketing money from clients without completing the work he was hired to do for them.

This is Bartos's final case in the Valley with him receiving his sentence in Mahoning County back in March of 2024 and in Trumbull County back in October of 2023. He also faced charges in Lawrence County, but those were dropped when a judge decided not to prosecute him.

During the sentencing, defense attorney Dave Betras called witnesses up to the stand including an Ohio Lottery worker who had hired Bartos since these charges were filed against him and testified that he did indeed complete the work he was hired to do and "could not have been more pleased" with it.

Father Michael Swierz of St. Patrick Church in Hubbard also testified on behalf of Bartos stating that Bartos and his family are active members of the parish.

Swierz testified that Bartos attended confession at the church where he has shown his growth and maturity as a person since his crimes.

Bartos's attorney Frank Cassese told the judge when Bartos accepted the jobs he never completed, he had every intention of completing them and no intention of stealing the money, but ultimately did not complete the work.

Cassese went on to tell the judge that he had sent a letter to Habitat for Humanity asking if Bartos could help them build a house in Salem they plan on breaking ground on Friday, May 10.

"Based on our conversation with [David Redig], he told us that he would welcome Mr. Bartos assisting and quite frankly would need it. Not just for window and door installation ... but for labor," Cassese said.

Bartos himself addressed the court and apologized to the court, the victims and his family and reiterated that he had no intention of doing any of this, but owned up to all of it.

"I've spent 110 days in jail throughout three different counties and I am blessed to say that I truly feel like I am a changed man. I'm also blessed to be able to say that 100% of the people that filed any type of charge against me have been made whole," Bartos said.

However, the judge told Bartos while he acknowledges that Bartos has paid restitution and has followed through with all future work he was hired to do, when considering how many cases of incomplete work he's had, he still needs to serve time.

"Obviously you're a talented and skilled person when it comes to the work that you do. ... But that's the whole point, Mr. Bartos. You took money from people and didn't do the work despite promising them that you would," judge Scott Washam said.

Bartos said in court that he plans to continue his home improvement business.