Attorney General Josh Stein has filed a lawsuit against Lorenzo Lorin Huggins, Sr. and his businesses, including Huggins & Sons Yard Service and Lorenzo & Son Landscaping. The lawsuit alleges that they engaged in price gouging for tree removal services following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
“As western North Carolina continues hurricane cleanup and rebuilding, I want price gougers to be on notice,” stated Attorney General Josh Stein. “If you take advantage of people in their time of need and charge them unfair, excessive prices, my office will hold you accountable.”
The case involves a couple from Hendersonville who contacted Huggins via HomeAdvisor.com after two trees fell on their roof during the hurricane. They agreed to pay $25,500 upfront for the tree removal service. However, the work was not completed as promised. Instead of removing the trees and debris from the home and yard, workers allegedly dropped limbs through a hole in the roof into the house and caused additional damage to a retaining wall.
Attorney General Stein is seeking various forms of legal relief against Huggins to prevent further misrepresentations and price gouging activities. This includes restitution, civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, and other remedies.
Since 2018, Attorney General Stein has pursued 13 lawsuits involving 30 defendants under North Carolina’s price gouging statute. He has secured judgments or settlements totaling $1,080,000 against 25 defendants.