Attorney General's News Release

June 14, 1999

Nixon obtains order for restitution for consumers ripped off in furniture store closing

Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon has obtained a court order for $213,447 in penalties and restitution for consumers who paid money but never received furniture from Boehlow and Company Interiors store in Fenton. St. Louis County Circuit Court ruled today that Roger W. Boehlow and his company be banned from selling furniture and home furnishings for three years and obtain a $100,000 bond before ever selling furniture again in Missouri.

The Boehlow and Company Interiors store, located at 211 Old Highway 141 South in Fenton, closed abruptly Nov. 7, leaving nearly 100 customers without access to merchandise that had been paid for in advance. Earlier this year, Nixon obtained an injunction in St. Louis county against Boehlow to prevent the selling or disposal of any store assets until consumers could be paid back. Nixon filed the lawsuit following complaints to the consumer protection hotline in Jefferson City.

"It is important for consumers to remember that if they are ripped-off, we can take action if we get reports in a timely manner," Nixon said. The hotline number is 1-800-392-8222.

Boehlow is also facing a 10-count felony indictment for the same conduct in a case filed by the St. Louis County prosecutor.

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