Richard Blumenthal (D)
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced a settlement Thursday with the former owner of a monument and engraving company.
Richard Miron, the former owner of Lakeview Monuments of Stratford, Conn., will pay $78,098.28 to fully refund the more than 70 consumers who paid for, but did not receive engravings and monuments intended for grave, burial or internment sites.
"This settlement provides full refunds to consumers for memorials and engravings that they paid for, but never received," Blumenthal said. "Lakeview Monuments was a monumental failure in its treatment of consumers -- accepting payments from grieving customers when it could not provide a product or service in return. This conduct added insult to injury, harming consumers already devastated by the loss of a loved one.
The settlement follows a joint investigation by Blumenthal and the state attorney's office, which conducted a parallel criminal case.
"Our investigation was conducted jointly with the state's attorney's office, resulting in both criminal and civil remedies," Blumenthal said. "Lakeview consumers with outstanding deposits or full payments can expect refunds in two phases, the first phase beginning within a couple of months."
Miron pleaded guilty to larceny and is awaiting sentencing. Under terms of the settlement, he is prohibited from owning, operating or working for any monument retail or wholesale business for seven years. He is also barred from serving as an officer or board member in a monument company or cemetery association.