CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a lawsuit Friday against a Cleveland-area roofer that allegedly violated state consumer laws by performing shoddy work and failing to deliver promised services.
Since August, DeWine's office received three complaints against John Boyd, doing business as J & M Roofing & Contracting. Boyd allegedly engaged in two violations of Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act.
DeWine's lawsuit seeks permanent injunctive relief, full consumer restitution and civil penalties.
"Spring and summer months are key times for home repair projects," the attorney general said in a statement. "But this lawsuit serves as a warning -- not all businesses fulfill their promises to consumers. It's important to do as much research as possible before making any payments to a contractor."
In one alleged instance, a consumer hired J & M Roofing & Contracting to work on the foundation of her house, paying Boyd $4,000 for the work. Despite the upfront payment, Boyd allegedly never completed the work.
In another alleged instance, a consumer hired Boyd to replace his roof, install new gutters and perform other services. The consumer paid Boyd more than $4,000, but the business allegedly delayed work for several months, leaving his attic exposed and without functional gutters. The consumer was forced to hire another business to complete the work.