N.D. AG issues cease and desist against contractor

BISMARCK, N.D. (Legal Newsline) - North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued a cease and desist order Tuesday against a Becker, Minnesota-based contractor who allegedly violated state consumer fraud laws.

Patrick Delare, doing business as PJD Construction LLC, allegedly failed to obtain a required transient merchant license, provided contractor services without first obtaining a North Dakota contractor's license, took advance deposits of more than $120,000 from two consumers to build pole barns, failed to do any substantial work on one of the projects and failed to finish work on the other project. Delare also allegedly failed to complete a home construction project for a third consumer.

"It is unacceptable for Patrick Delare to operate in this state without the required licenses, take money from North Dakota consumers, and then fail to provide the materials or services as promised," Stenehjem said. "As a result, Delare and his business, PJD Construction, are now banned from all future construction or business in the state of North Dakota."

Contractors performing work in North Dakota valued at $2,000 or more must first obtain a contractor's license from the Secretary of State. Individuals conducting temporary or transient business within the state must obtain a transient merchant's license from Stenehjem's office.