CHARLESTON — According to a recent ruling by a Putnam County circuit judge, four family members who are accused of illegally selling and installing mobile homes without the proper licenses, have had a temporary injunction instilled upon them.
The individuals named in the case are Gary May, Veronica May, Tyler May, and Joshua May. Gary May and Veronica May are married, Tyler May is their grandson, and Joshua May is their nephew.
The West Virginia Attorney General, Patrick Morrisey, filed a complaint accusing them of conducting business throughout southern and central West Virginia.
As a result, the injunction prohibits them from selling, installing, repairing, or remodeling mobile homes without a license. Furthermore, the defendants are not allowed to harass consumers who complain to the Attorney General's Office, regulatory agency employees, Manufactured Housing Board members, or even the media.
The injunction also prohibits the defendants from selling any real property during the case's duration.
"Most businesses that operate in the state do the right thing but if you cross the line, we’re going to make sure there’s enforcement," Morrisey said. "Those who defraud consumers must be held accountable to the full extent of the law."
Morrisey's office sued the Mays in March in Putnam Circuit Court. The injunction hearing was held in May. At the injunction, the Mays represented themselves. The Attorney General’s Office presented evidence and 11 witnesses.
"After due consideration of the State’s Complaint and Motion, the exhibits and affidavits attached thereto, and the testimony and evidence of the parties and their witnesses at the hearing in this matter, the court finds that the State has met its burden for issuance of a temporary injunction as requested in its Motion," Circuit Judge Joseph Reeder wrote in the June 6 order.
Morrisey's complaint alleges the defendants violated the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act. The lawsuit also asks the court to award restitution for consumers harmed by the defendants' alleged unlawful activities.
In the lawsuit, Morrisey alleged that the business does not have the licenses required to sell, install, repair or remodel mobile homes.
The Attorney General’s Office received numerous consumer complaints alleging many unlawful activities by the defendants. Numerous complaints were also sent to the Manufactured Housing Board by the Attorney General's Office. The board issued a total of nine cease and desist orders, but the business "continued to engage in unlawful activities" and failed to resolve complaints, prompting the Attorney General to file the lawsuit.