Attorney General Steve Marshall has taken legal action by obtaining a temporary restraining order against a Baldwin County company. The order targets AKME Group, LLC and AKME, LLC, collectively known as AKME Gardens, along with individuals Adam Karsten Morck and Kristina Nis Dias. These parties are accused of misrepresenting their certifications to sell nursery plants and seeds, thereby violating the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
The company allegedly misled customers by falsely asserting they were certified to sell these agricultural products and consistently accepted payments without fulfilling orders. “Making false claims to trick buyers into spending large sums of money without delivering a product is not only unfair but illegal under Alabama’s consumer protection laws,” Marshall stated. He further emphasized the risks such actions pose to the agriculture industry by potentially introducing harmful plant pests.
According to the Attorney General's statement, AKME Gardens lost its certification from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to sell nursery stock since September 30, 2022. There is no record of certification to sell seeds for at least three years. Despite this, consumer complaints against the company date back to 2021, where they reportedly took payments without delivering products.
The company faces 24 accusations related to false certification claims and 13 for unfulfilled purchase agreements. In response, Attorney General Marshall is seeking restitution for affected consumers, cessation of the company's operations in Alabama, maximum civil penalties, and coverage of attorneys’ fees.
Silverhill Police Department's support in this case has been acknowledged by Attorney General Marshall. Consumers impacted by these activities are encouraged to reach out via the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-5658.