Attorney General's News Release

Jan. 23, 1998

Nixon, prosecutor charge two with operating driveway repair scam in Ozark

Ozark, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon and Christian County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Orr this week jointly filed criminal charges against two men who allegedly defrauded an elderly Ozark woman in a driveway repair scam.

The complaint, filed in Christian County Circuit Court on Tuesday, charges George Lester Fogle, 50, and William Joseph Ledbetter, 59, each with one criminal count of unlawful merchandising practices. A March 4 preliminary hearing has been scheduled for both men, who are from Hannibal.

The charges allege that in December 1996, Fogle and Ledbetter demanded $4,200 from the woman for driveway repair work worth no more than $300 and which the woman had not authorized. The charges also allege that the pair showed up at the woman's house and pressured her into giving them $900 in cash and her checkbook.

Unlawful merchandising practices is a class D felony under Missouri law, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Fogle also is being charged as a persistent offender under Missouri law because he has been convicted of two or more felonies. If convicted again, persistent offenders can face an extended term of imprisonment. The charges against Fogle and Ledbetter are merely accusations; as in all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

As spring approaches, the number of complaints received by the Attorney General's Office about driveway and home repair scams increases, with older people often targeted by such scams. Nixon said there are several steps consumers can take to avoid becoming a victim of a driveway repair scam:

• Be wary of someone who solicits you to do the repair work. Con artists often will tell homeowners that they have leftover asphalt from another job and offer to repave their driveways.
• Always get at least two written estimates from local businesses before authorizing any work, and ask for the names of references and call them.
• If you encounter someone you suspect is trying to defraud you, tell them no, close the door, and immediately call your local sheriff or police department.

Consumers who want to file a complaint about driveway repair scams or other fraud should call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818