(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a consumer protection lawsuit against a Columbus man accused of repeatedly failing to deliver promised stucco, painting, and other home-improvement services to consumers.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit accuses Steven M. DeMatteo, operating as DeMatteo Stucco, of taking money from consumers and then failing to perform the work. Estimated losses currently total about $4,700 among eight complaints.
“We’ve found a pattern of problems, and we’re taking this action to hold the defendant accountable,” Attorney General DeWine said.
In 2012, the Attorney General obtained a judgment against DeMatteo in a similar consumer protection case. The judgment required DeMatteo to pay penalties and damages, but according to the lawsuit, DeMatteo failed to make those payments yet continued to offer services to other consumers.
DeMatteo is accused of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act. Counts include failing to deliver services, providing shoddy work, and soliciting work while having an unpaid judgment from previous consumer transactions.
In the lawsuit, filed in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, the Attorney General seeks a permanent injunction to prevent DeMatteo from doing business with consumers in Ohio. The Attorney General also seeks reimbursement for consumers and civil penalties.
Attorney General DeWine encourages consumers to research home-improvement contractors carefully before hiring them. For example, consumers can search for complaints filed by other consumers, check business filings with the Ohio Secretary of State, conduct internet searches, check court websites for legal action, and talk to past customers to learn about their experiences with a contractor.
Consumers who suspect an unfair business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
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Documents
Lawsuit (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840