A Springfield home-improvement contractor is in jail following his conviction in New Britain, Conn., on four counts of violating Connecticut’s Home Improvement Contractor Act.

Richard Koslik, 52, was convicted by Superior Court Judge Maria A. Kahn and sentenced to two years in jail, the maximum allowed, on two counts of offering to make and two counts of making home improvements, all without a current certificate of registration, to two Bristol, Conn., homeowners in 2006.

"This conviction and sentence should serve as an important reminder to contractors that registration is an absolute legal requirement, and violators face the possibility of fines and even jail. I will continue to protect consumers and to seek strong punishment for contractors who violate the law," said Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen.

Koslik, who had at least 10 separate prior convictions for similar offenses, also had a lengthy history of serious complaints of poor and incomplete work performance with the Department of Consumer Protection, according to a statement.

"The Department of Consumer Protection has actively pursued investigations of Mr. Koslik for several years, in order to safeguard Connecticut consumers from his business practices," Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said. "We’re pleased with this outcome, and will continue to work closely with the attorney general to protect homeowners using all available enforcement tools, including criminal prosecution when warranted."