Attorney General's News Release

Augist 16, 2000

Nixon sues Kansas home contractor over shoddy work and unfair business practices

Kansas City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon yesterday (Aug. 15) filed suit against a Kansas-based residential construction company that Nixon said did shoddy work and used unfair business practices on homes built in the Kansas City area.

Nixon's lawsuit in Jackson County Circuit Court charges Jeffrey Miller, the owner of Miller Enterprises, as well as Associated Capitol Inc. and Associated Finance Inc., with violating Missouri consumer protection laws. A business partner of Miller's, Jeff Broughton, also was named in the suit. More than 40 home owners have filed complaints with the Attorney General's Office concerning shoddy work or unfair business dealings with the defendants.

Nixon said Miller and his businesses have performed substandard construction methods and practices, in addition to using substandard construction materials. Nixon also said the defendants misrepresented to consumers that the newly constructed homes had been inspected when, in fact, they had not. Miller also increased the price of homes at closing and misled home buyers about the true amount of their monthly payments. Other allegations in the lawsuit include forging consumers' signatures on loan documents and operating without proper licensing.

The Attorney General is seeking an injunction from the court to prohibit Miller and the other defendants from conducting business in Missouri or with Missouri consumers without first complying with all state registration and licensing requirements. Nixon also asked the court to make the defendants liable for all damages incurred by consumers because of the defendants' unlawful practices and make restitution accordingly.

Nixon also is asking the court to award a civil penalty of up to $1,000 against each defendant for each and every violation found to be committed.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818