Kelly
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) - Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly's Bureau of Consumer Protection reached an agreement on Friday with a Delaware County man who allegedly promoted art exhibit space for numerous art shows throughout North America.
An assurance of voluntary compliance was reached with Christopher Gervasi, who operated businesses under several different names, including Wildlife Art Shows, Gervais Fine Arts & Craft Festivals, Gervais Arts and Crafts Festival and Gervais Arts. Gervasi allegedly failed to provide the exhibit space he originally promised to customers
Gervasi allegedly promoted art shows and exhibits and sold booth space to consumers in certain locations on certain dates. He also induced consumers to purchase exhibition booth space based on the details he gave them, Kelly says. After consumers entered into contracts with Gervasi and agreed to purchase exhibit space, he allegedly altered the venue of the shows or cancelled them altogether.
Gervasi allegedly failed to issue refunds to consumers and cut off communication with them. In some circumstances, consumers withdrew from the shows within the timeframe and manner dictated by Gervasi's contracts, but Gervasi still allegedly failed to issue refunds to consumers.
Under terms of the agreement, Gervasi agreed to pay restitution to consumers who filed complaints with Kelly's Bureau of Consumer Protection, as well as civil penalties and fines. Gervasi also agreed to fully comply with the state's Consumer Protection Law.