Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Scarlet & Great Contracting Ltd., Scarlet & Gray Builders Ltd., and the businesses’ owner, Kelson Hess, for violating consumer protection laws by allegedly performing unsatisfactory work.
The St. Clairsville companies offer a wide range of home repairs and construction services, including roofing and the construction of new additions.
Complaints have been made by at least 10 consumers reporting that the contracting companies allegedly failed to complete jobs as promised or performed low-quality work. Consumers also reported paying half of the charges upfront and then were allegedly asked to pay the remaining balance before satisfactory completion of the project.
In the lawsuit, DeWine is calling for an end to the violations and the payment of restitution and civil penalties.
“Consumers paid thousands of dollars for work that was not completed as promised,” DeWine said. “By law, businesses are required to fulfill their obligations to consumers, and when they don’t, we will hold them accountable.”
According to the lawsuit, Scarlet & Grey Contracting filed for bankruptcy in June 2014. Both of the named companies operate from the same St. Clairsville address.
DeWine encourages consumers to fully research a company before entering into a contract or to get referrals from trusted friends or family.