July 26, 2007 -- In a bizarre sequence of events, Attorney General Paul Morrison announced today that his office obtained $15,000 cash in a settlement with Road Maintenance Paving & Sealing, a transient paving company. The business was being investigated by the Attorney General’s Office.
“It’s very bizarre that a business owner would immediately pull out a wad of cash to pay off a settlement in a consumer complaint. But that is exactly what happened,” Morrison said. “We’re always on the lookout for transient workers and companies who take advantage of Kansas consumers.”
Road Maintenance Paving & Sealing and owner Bill Boswell were operating with no licenses and were not giving any door-to-door assurances. The Attorney General’s Office investigated two complaints, one in Oskaloosa and one in Shawnee County. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the investigation.
The main terms of the settlement were that the company would refund the Shawnee County resident who paid approximately $5,000 for services and pay the Attorney General’s Office $10,000.00 in civil penalties and fees. They are also required to cease doing business in Kansas for three years and agree not to collect any payment for the services they provided on the Oskaloosa project.
“These are exactly the type of shysters consumers need to watch out for. This is a perfect example of why consumers should be careful doing business with unfamiliar companies,” Morrison said. “I’m happy that we shut them down and put an end to their business in Kansas.”
Others named in the settlement were William Boswell, Nathan Boswell, Tommy A. Wright and Lewis C. Fountain.
Kansas consumers can find additional information about home improvement scams or report questionable business practices to the Attorney General's Office by visiting www.ksag.org.