Attorney General's News Release

June 7, 1999

St. Charles County contractor pleads guilty to taking money for work not done; pays $3,900

Clayton, Mo. — A St. Charles County home remodeling contractor who pleaded guilty Friday to a criminal charge of unlawful merchandising practices brought by Attorney General Jay Nixon was ordered to repay more than $3,900 and perform 75 hours of community service as part of his sentence.

Gregory D. Flanigan (DOB - 12-8-61), who paid the money to the state on Friday, also was placed on five years' probation by St. Louis County Circuit Court Judge David Lee Vincent III.

The judge ordered Flanigan to not have any ownership interest or managerial responsibility in any contracting business during his probation.

Flanigan, who did business as Master Exteriors, admitted in court that in 1997 he deceived three homeowners into believing he would do home repair for them and paying him $3,908, when he did not intend to perform the work.

"This conviction, along with last month's civil court order against Wolfson Construction, sends a strong message to those who prey on homeowners in the St. Louis area," Nixon said.

Nixon said there are several precautions consumers can take to avoid home repair fraud:

• Obtain written estimates from at least three local contractors.
• Ask for an address and phone number if the workers tell you they are self-employed.
• Get all guarantees in writing.
• Ask for the names of references and call them.
• Don't pay for the entire job with yourdown payment. The down payment should be no more than one-third of the total price. Should a contractor ask for an advance on supplies, consider writing the check directly to the supplier.
• Call your local Better Business Bureau to check on complaints or the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 to check on legal action against a contractor.

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