By CHRIS DICKERSON
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey's office has filed a complaint against a Boone County contractor, alleging violations of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act.
The complaint, which was filed in Kanawha Circuit Court, alleges Stiltner Contracting and owner Howard Stiltner Jr. accepted payments from consumers for home improvement projects that were not complete as promised.
“Our office is committed to protecting West Virginia consumers and defending the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act,” Morrisey said in a press release “West Virginians should understand that the Consumer Credit and Protection Act applies to all businesses regardless of their size.”
Morrisey's Consumer Protection Division began an investigation into Stiltner Construction after receiving a number of complaints from consumers. According to the complaint, the investigation revealed Stiltner did not complete the work he was paid to do, accepted money for materials while using scraps from previous jobs, and left homeowners with no siding and a mismatched leaking roof.
The complaint asks the court to restrain Stiltner from “engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in contracting services of any kind.” It also seeks restitution for consumers, as well as reimbursements for court costs, investigative costs, and attorney’s fees. The complaint also asks the court to impose a $5,000 fine for each violation of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act.
“Homeowners should remember not to pay cash up front for the materials on the job,” Morrisey said. “Consumers should also avoid work crews who may try to pressure them into an immediate decision without properly researching the company.”