(EATON, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against Abraham Jaros, of New Carlisle, for failing to deliver garbage collection services after accepting upfront payments from consumers. More than 600 individuals are believed to have been affected.
“Many of these consumers thought they were entering into an agreement with a reputable local business,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Instead, they ended up with trash sitting outside their homes for days or weeks. Businesses that accept payment from consumers must deliver the promised services or provide refunds. This business did neither.”
Abraham Jaros ran a garbage collection and disposal business in Preble County using the name Jaros Enterprises. He contacted homeowners through flyers and charged $12 a month for his service. He was to collect the garbage once a week.
Most homeowners paid $36 for three months of service, but some paid for an entire year ($144). Jaros collected garbage for a few weeks but has not returned. Some consumers reported that when he did pick up the garbage, he used a rental box truck. Consumers also said they had to dispose of their trash themselves and/or hire a new garbage collector.
The Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau received more than 30 complaints, but the investigation revealed that hundreds of additional consumers likely were affected.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Preble County Court of Common Pleas, charges Abraham Jaros with violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act by failing to deliver services and failing to provide proper notice of consumers’ right to cancel a home solicitation sale.
In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks an injunction to stop further violations, full restitution for consumers, and civil penalties.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
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Documents
Lawsuit
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840