Attorney General's News Release

February 21, 2008

Nixon lawsuit seeks restitution, penalties from former Rolla woodworker who scammed consumers

Rolla, Mo. — A former Rolla resident who accepted thousands of dollars in payment from consumers to build wooden benches, rocking chairs and other merchandise but failed to deliver the items or provide refunds is facing a lawsuit from Attorney General Jay Nixon. Nixon filed the petition in Phelps County Circuit Court against Dave Hentzel and his business, Extreme Woodworking LLC, seeking restitution, penalties and costs. Hentzel now lives in Seattle, Wash.

Nixon says Hentzel operated Extreme Woodworking out of Rolla from 2004 to 2006. During that time, the defendant traveled to arts and crafts shows around the country and exhibited merchandise to consumers, advertising that he would build wooden products for those consumers who placed orders and agreed to pay a certain amount up front.

At least two consumers who paid the defendant thousands of dollars for merchandise have yet to receive the items or have their payments to Hentzel refunded. These included a Toledo, Ohio, man who paid the defendant $1,930 at an arts and crafts fair for a wooden bench suitable for outdoor placement in varying weather conditions. When the bench deteriorated during winter weather – contrary to the defendant’s guarantees – Hentzel agreed to retrieve the bench to repair or replace it. Despite numerous attempts to reach the defendant and after at least one promise from Hentzel that he was about to deliver the item, the man has yet to receive the bench or a refund.

Another consumer paid the defendant $1,500 at an arts and crafts fair in Austin, Texas to build and deliver a wooden rocking chair. A few months later, Hentzel told the consumer that the chair had been damaged beyond repair and that he would be issuing the man a full refund. As an alternative, Hentzel offered the consumer a replacement chair for half the price the consumer originally paid. Since then, Hentzel has failed to issue any refund or provide a replacement chair, despite numerous attempts by the consumer to contact the defendant.

Nixon is asking that the court order the defendant to stop violating Missouri consumer protection laws, pay restitution to all consumers who suffered a loss due to the defendant’s actions, penalties and costs.

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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