CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a lawsuit Tuesday against a Chillicothe-based pole barn business and its owner for allegedly violating Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act.
DeWine filed the lawsuit against MidOhio Buildings Inc., doing business as Mustang Business Corporation, and Mark Reese, the company's owner. Seven consumers filed complaints against the business with DeWine's office or the Better Business Bureau alleging losses of more than $100,000 in total.
"At this time a number of consumers have nothing to show for the thousands of dollars they gave MidOhio Buildings in good faith," DeWine said. "We want to do all we can to help them and to protect other consumers as well."
Mustang Buildings entered into transactions with consumers to build pole barns and similar buildings but allegedly did shoddy work, made misleading statements to consumers, operated without proper licenses, failed to deliver promised services after accepting money and entered into contracts despite knowing the business was experiencing financial problems.
Reese allegedly claimed the company needed to halt operations because of a lack of funds. Southern Hills Community Church was named as a relief defendant in the lawsuit because it allegedly received more than $10,000 that can be traced back to Mustang's business account. Reese is the founder, director and a pastor of Southern Hills.
DeWine's lawsuit seeks consumer restitution, injunctive relief and civil penalties.
Ohio AG files suit against Chillicothe pole barn business
