Attorney General Mike DeWine said his office has received 15 complaints about Matthew McMillen, whose $ 40,000 judgments are pending in Cleveland courts.

A Cleveland fencer exposed by Channel 3 News for bad work and verbal attacks on angry customers has now caught the attention of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.

Matthew McMillen, the owner of the former Budget One Fence, and his wife and business partner Stephanie Reed were named on Wednesday in a lawsuit of unfair and misleading sales practices.

DeWine said in a press release that his office has found “a pattern of problems” and that his office is seeking reimbursement for customers and other damages.

The lawsuit was filed in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court alleging that McMillen and Reed violated the Ohio Consumer Selling Practices Act and the Home Advertising Act.

Reached by phone on Wednesday, McMillen declined to comment.

The fence company is now called Lake Erie Fence.

Customers surveyed by Channel 3 News last year complained of poor work, missing fences, and McMillen’s violent temper when they asked questions.

DeWine’s investigation also found that McMillen made deposits but never completed some work, or that the company did not properly install some fences.

McMillen filed for bankruptcy protection last year, naming 38 creditors in his bankruptcy proceedings filed in the US District Court. He cited debts over $ 100,000.

It was McMillen’s second bankruptcy since 2011. He later dismissed the case.

Budget One Fence was rated “F” by the local Better Business Bureau.

“I thought it was a crime to steal from people. But he keeps doing it because he can get away with it, ”said Gary Orefice, a Parma homeowner and customer.

Orefice paid McMillen about $ 1,800 to install a wooden fence. Budget One botched the job and didn’t install posts properly. The city inspectors ordered the posts to be relocated and Orefice did the job itself.

He sued McMillen for a refund and won. However, Orefice never received any payment. These debts are listed on McMillen’s bankruptcy filing.

“I did nothing but abuse them,” he said.

DeWine said his office received 15 complaints and McMillen has $ 40,000 worth of judgments pending in courts in Cleveland.

Other customers complained about McMillen’s temper and threats.

Even WKYC Channel 3 News’ investigative reporter Tom Meyer nearly broke down with McMillen when he visited Budget One Fences last year for comment on a number of customer complaints.

To help prevent home improvement problems, the Attorney General’s Office made the following recommendations:

• • Research the contractor carefully. Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member for recommendations. Check for complaints with the Ohio Attorney General or the Better Business Bureau. Talk to other clients and ask them about their experience with the contractor.

• • Get several written estimates. Before making a final decision, obtain and review estimates from multiple contractors. Don’t assume that the lowest guess is your best option.

• • Check your right of withdrawal. Typically in Ohio, you have a three day right to terminate a contract that results from a door-to-door sale. Sellers must inform you of this right in writing.

• • Be wary of requests for large deposits. It is reasonable for a contractor to ask for a deposit. However, be skeptical if asked to make a large payment (e.g. half or more of the total cost) before starting work. If possible, after the work is completed, pay gradually.

Consumers suspecting an unfair or misleading sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

The post The Investigator | Violent fence installer focused by Ohio Lawyer Normal first appeared on DECKSAND FENCES DAILY.