Michigan Attorney General Wins Judgment Against Contractors in Consumer Fraud Case

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced a significant legal victory, having secured a default judgment (PDF) against Caltons Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC and its owners, Aron Dean Calton and Leslie Calton, based in Kent City. This judgment comes as a result of the company’s violations of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Allegations against Caltons Lawn Care include taking advanced payments or deposits for lawn services and pool projects, performing little to no work, and subsequently ignoring or blocking customers who sought refunds.

Last year, Nessel filed a lawsuit after receiving multiple complaints from consumers across West Michigan. The Caltons operated under the names Caltons Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC and Lake Michigan Pool and Outdoor Services on social media platforms, further complicating their deceptive practices.

The default judgment imposes strict restrictions on the Caltons and any future entities they may create. They are now prohibited from conducting business in Michigan where they require advance payment before the completion of work. Additionally, the judgment effectively dissolves Caltons Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC and mandates that the Caltons must not refuse to issue refunds to consumers.

In a further blow to the Caltons, they are required to pay a civil fine of $100,000. They are also barred from transferring, assigning, spending, or disposing of any funds or assets that could potentially be used to refund affected consumers. This ruling aims to protect consumers and ensure that they receive the services they paid for.

Source: Department of Attorney General

Topics
Michigan
Contractors

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced a significant legal victory, having secured a default judgment (PDF) against Caltons Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC and its owners, Aron Dean Calton and Leslie Calton, based in Kent City. This judgment comes as a result of the company’s violations of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Allegations against Caltons Lawn Care include taking advanced payments or deposits for lawn services and pool projects, performing little to no work, and subsequently ignoring or blocking customers who sought refunds.

Last year, Nessel filed a lawsuit after receiving multiple complaints from consumers across West Michigan. The Caltons operated under the names Caltons Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC and Lake Michigan Pool and Outdoor Services on social media platforms, further complicating their deceptive practices.

The default judgment imposes strict restrictions on the Caltons and any future entities they may create. They are now prohibited from conducting business in Michigan where they require advance payment before the completion of work. Additionally, the judgment effectively dissolves Caltons Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC and mandates that the Caltons must not refuse to issue refunds to consumers.

In a further blow to the Caltons, they are required to pay a civil fine of $100,000. They are also barred from transferring, assigning, spending, or disposing of any funds or assets that could potentially be used to refund affected consumers. This ruling aims to protect consumers and ensure that they receive the services they paid for.

Source: Department of Attorney General

Topics
Michigan
Contractors