NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — The office of acting New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino has announced a Superior Court judge has banned Leroy N. Brown, an unregistered home improvement contractor, from working on homes in New Jersey. Brown also has been ordered to pay $1.1 million after allegedly violating the state’s consumer protection laws and regulations on at least 410 occasions.
The state charged Brown misrepresented himself as a registered contractor, used deceptive sales tactics and targeted the elderly population, coercing them into purchasing expensive chimney repairs that were never completed.
“We will not tolerate home improvement contractors like Leroy Brown who cheat our citizens, particularly when the target is our elderly population,” Porrino said. “The civil penalty ordered by the court should serve as a warning to contractors that violating our consumer protection laws will result in serious consequences.”
Brown’s payment will include $1,025,000 in civil penalties, $81,646 in attorney reimbursement fees and $16,657 in restitution to 11 consumers. Brown cannot advertise or offer his services in the state.
“Through its vigorous investigation of Leroy Brown and B&K Masonry & Chimney, the Division has ensured he will never again be able to prey on New Jersey consumers,” Steve Lee, Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, said. “We will continue to serve as watchdogs of the home improvement marketplace to safeguard consumers from contractors who make their money through lies and deceit.”