Attorney General's News Release

August 24, 2006

Cameron couple pleads guilty to taking down payments for carpeting and flooring but not doing work

Maysville, Mo. — A Cameron couple charged by Attorney General Jay Nixon pleaded guilty on Wednesday (Aug. 23) to taking thousands of dollars in down payments from northwest Missouri residents to install new carpeting or flooring in their homes, and then not performing the work. Rick Hamilton (DOB - 4/7/58) and Linda Hamilton (DOB - 6/4/60), the owners of North Missouri Rug, each entered the guilty pleas to three counts of felony stealing by deceit before DeKalb County Circuit Judge Warren McElwain.

Nixon said three DeKalb County residents paid the Hamiltons a total of $5,450 in down payments to install either new carpeting or linoleum flooring in their homes or businesses in 2004. When the defendants failed to perform the services as promised, each victim demanded a refund of their down payment balance. Despite verbal agreements from the defendants to provide refunds, none of the customers received their money back.

Sentencing will be scheduled after a pre-sentence investigation by the Missouri Department of Corrections. The Hamiltons, who entered open pleas, face up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine on each count.

The Attorney General's Office was appointed special prosecutor in the case due to a conflict of interest on the part of the DeKalb County Prosecuting Attorney. Nixon filed the charges in June.

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