COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a lawsuit Wednesday against a Columbus roofer for allegedly engaging in multiple violations of the state's consumer laws while targeting consumers whose homes were damaged by storms.
Restore It USA LLC and James Twaddle, the company's owner, allegedly used a website called HailWatch to find storm-ravaged counties and solicited consumers at their homes.
Twaddle allegedly requested the consumers' insurance money in exchange for new roofs but failed to deliver promised services.
"Businesses are required by law to fulfill their promises to consumers," DeWine said in a statement. "When they don't, we will take action."
The Reynoldsburg-based business allegedly failed to complete promised roofing work, failed to provide refunds and routinely failed to return the phone calls of consumers. Restore It USA also allegedly entered into transactions knowing it did not have the funds to complete the contracted jobs.
DeWine's office is aware of 28 complaints filed against the business by Ohio consumers who allege losses of more than $65,000. Additional consumers may have also been affected by Restore It USA.
The attorney general's lawsuit alleges the business engaged in multiple violations of Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act. The suit seeks civil penalties, consumer restitution and injunctive relief.