Attorney General's News Release

December 15, 2006

Florissant man sentenced to four years in prison for home repair scam on charges brought by Nixon

Clayton, Mo. — A St. Louis-area contractor who took payments totaling more than $97,000 from customers for home repairs but neglected to complete the work was sentenced today to four years in prison in St. Louis County Circuit Court. Attorney General Jay Nixon's office prosecuted the case of Jason M. Leavy (DOB - 5/21/74) of Florissant, who pled guilty to eight counts of Unfair Merchandising Practices on Oct. 20. Judge Robert Cohen sentenced the defendant to four years in the Department of Corrections on each count, to run concurrently.

"Let this verdict be a warning, that even if your crime is of the 'white collar' variety, such as ripping off consumers in a home repair scam, it doesn't mean you won't end up behind bars," Nixon said. "We will make sure that people like the defendant are always held accountable, whether it is prison or some other form of appropriate punishment."

Leavy did business under the names Midwest Roofing & Contracting, CRS, CRSI and Merit Construction. The allegations against the defendant took place between January 2004 and April 2006. Nixon said his office had received complaints about Leavy and his businesses from St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Illinois.

Nixon emphasized the following common-sense rules Missourians should remember before hiring a contractor:

• Get several written estimates from local firms.
• Ask for references and call them.
• Get all guarantees in writing.
• Don't pay more than one-third of the total price for a down payment.

Consumers who believe they have been victims of home repair fraud may call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 or visit his Web site at www.ago.mo.gov.

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 the Press Secretary.

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