Attorney General's News Release

February 21, 2003

Nixon sues home repair company for consumer fraud

Jefferson City, Mo. —Attorney General Jay Nixon today filed a lawsuit against the owner of a St. Charles home repair company seeking restitution, penalties and a permanent injunction for what Nixon said were numerous consumer complaints of unsatisfactory and unfinished work.

Nixon filed the lawsuit in St. Louis County Circuit Court against Carl J. Leavy Jr. and his business, U.S. Exteriors Inc. From April 1997 to February 2002, the company was involved in home repair work in north St. Louis County, including many hail damage projects. Charges detailed in the lawsuit include failure to begin or complete projects, failure to provide refunds after contractual obligations were not met and using substandard building materials. When customers contacted Leavy with concerns, their calls were often met with excuses or never returned at all.

The customers who filed complaints with the Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau reported losing from a few hundred dollars to more than $15,000, Nixon said.

In addition to seeking restitution and penalties, Nixon is asking the court to permanently bar Leavy from the home repair business. The Attorney General offered several suggestions to consumers seeking home repair:

• 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 your down 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 or the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 to check on complaints 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