BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) — Bryan Edwards Adkins and his company Atlantic Bay Homes will pay $524,185.35 after allegations of violating Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act, Attorney General Brian E. Frosh has announced.
According to Frosh’s Consumer Protection Division, the defendant entered into six contracts to build homes in Wicomico and Dorchester Counties. After taking initial deposits, Adkins allegedly failed to start or complete construction of the homes, pay subcontractors or refund consumers. In two instances Frosh’s office claimed that Adkins took more than $170,000 from consumers without providing anything of value in return.
Additionally, Adkins failed to provide protection for consumer deposits by placing them in an escrow account or maintaining a surety bond or letter of credit for their protection.
The payment by Adkins to settle the lawsuit includes restitution, economic damages, and penalties and costs.
"Before any money changes hands for a new home, you need to protect the biggest investment of your lifetime," Frosh said. "Make sure that your home is built by a registered home builder and that any deposits are protected by an escrow account, bond or letter of credit."
Frosh urges consumers to check the registration status of their builder by contacting the Division’s Home Builder Registration Unit.