Attorney General's News Release

May 21, 2007

Man pleads guilty to defrauding St.Louis-area consumers in repair scam; pays $18,000,ordered to pay $42,000 more

St. Louis, Mo. — Dan Sanders, who defrauded consumers while running a home repair business, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of unfair merchandising practices in St. Louis County Circuit Court on Thursday (May 17). Charges against Sanders (DOB - 12/15/73) were filed in June 2006 after an earlier indictment by the St. Louis County grand jury at the request of Attorney General Jay Nixon.

The defendant paid $18,000 in restitution, and still owes $42,881. Judge Mark Seigel ordered Sanders to pay the balance of the money owed by the time of his Aug. 23 sentencing. If Sanders fails to pay the balance in full at sentencing, he will receive a four-year prison sentence.

Nixon’s office received complaints from consumers in both St. Louis County and City that Sanders took money for home repair services and either did not begin the work or provided substandard materials and work. Sanders allegedly worked under several business names, including Woodsmill Construction LLC, C&D Seamless Gutters, Smith Services and Unlimited Services. The complaints covered a period from 2003 to 2004.

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