BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has announced a $158,600 court order against a South Grafton man who allegedly failed to complete contracting work and misappropriated funds from consumers.
Suffolk Superior Court Judge Bonnie MacLeod entered a default judgment on Tuesday against Kyle Buckminster that ordered Buckminster to pay $111,000 in restitution, $35,000 in civil penalties and $12,600 in fees. The judgment also permanently prohibits Buckminster from engaging in general contracting or home improvement services without proper license or registration.
"Unlicensed home contracting work takes away business from honest contractors and puts homeowners at risk," Coakley said. "While we were able to secure restitution in this matter as well as civil penalties, consumers should always do their homework before hiring a contractor by asking the right questions."
Buckminster had multiple different company names and did business as First Commonwealth Builders, Blue Ocean Builders, Mid-Cape Construction and Fine Custom Carpentry and Fine Custom Carpentry and Finishing. Buckminster had his home improvement contractor's license revoked in 2000 and he never obtained a construction supervisor license.
Coakley filed a lawsuit against Buckminster in November, alleging Buckminster continued to solicit work in Massachusetts despite being ordered to pay thousands of penalties and stop contracting services without appropriate licensure. Buckminster also allegedly misappropriated more than $40,000 from an individual for a construction project in West Yarmouth.
The Home Improvement Contractor Law requires home improvement contractors to register in the state of Massachusetts.
Mass. AG announces order against unlicensed contractor
