A contractor from Castle Shannon today waived his right to a preliminary hearing on charges that he swindled 21 customers who paid for work he failed to perform.

Timothy Ryan Kickler, 27, remains free on bond pending trial on theft charges, Penn Hills District Judge Leonard Hromyak ruled.

The 21 victims paid more than $56,000 for various jobs that were not done, or that the suspect started and failed to complete, according to a police affidavit.

The homeowners also complained that Mr. Kickler stopped returning their phone calls and e-mails.

Mr. Kickler has been associated with businesses of various names, including Strongwall Construction, Strong Construction, Landscaping Plus, Superior Home Improvements and Tim Kickler Landscaping.

The victims were scattered throughout Allegheny County, including Penn Hills, the affidavit said.

Mr. Kickler's defense attorney, Assistant Public Defender Richard Romanko, and the prosecutor, William J. Becker, declined comment on the case.

Judge Hromyak allowed Mr. Kickler to remain free on the condition that he does not enter into any further contracts.

First Published: January 5, 2009, 7:45 p.m.