Maria Marrero, of Port Jefferson Station, says she hired James Martinez in November to renovate her stairwell after finding him on Facebook.

They signed a contract, and she paid him $1,500 of the $1,800 balance due.

Marrero says James showed up for the first day of work, started the project and hasn't been back since.

James told News 12 that "things happened" and he offered to come finish the job and waive the remaining balance, but Maria refused.

He adds that he intends to fully refund her money in "a couple of days"

Marrero says she just wants her money back and to put this experience behind her.

Suffolk County's Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs tells says it is "actively investigating this complaint."