Union home-building business sued by Maine AG
Maine is suing a Union home-contracting business, claiming it used deceptive marketing practices to bilk customers of their money, did shoddy work, and then fled town.
Attorney General Aaron M. Frey on Friday said he has filed a suit against Castle Builders Inc., its owner Malcolm I. Stewart and his wife Elizabeth J. Stewart, for alleged violations of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act.
The suit, filed in Knox County Superior Court, seeks a permanent injunction of the defendants against performing construction services in Maine, as well as penalties and restitution for consumers who suffered financial loss, according to a news release.
Consumers who hired Castle Builders were required to pay a down payment of at least one-third of the contract price when the contract was signed, another one-third at the start of the job, and the balance upon completion. The Stewarts abruptly closed the business, without notice to their employees or customers, in September.
The couple moved to South Carolina and have filed petitions for bankruptcy, according to the release.
In addition, Frey took complaints from 47 consumers who did not receive the contracted work and materials for which they had paid in advance. Many got nothing for their money, or said the work was poor. Some consumers complained that Castle caused damage to the homes because it failed to protect them from rain or snow.
“This is a particularly egregious example of a business using deceptive marketing to take advantage of Maine consumers,” said Frey. “My office has listened to numerous stories from individuals who were wronged by Castle Builders, and we are seeking justice on their behalf.”
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