Attorney General's News Release

March 3, 2008

St. Louis home improvement contractor indicted and arrested on charges he defrauded homeowners

Clayton, Mo. — A St. Louis contractor is facing criminal charges for allegedly defrauding consumers in the sale of home improvement projects. Patrick F. Rayburn (DOB 11-13-58) of 1611 North Hanley Road in St. Louis was arrested Friday (Feb. 29) after being indicted on charges of unlawful merchandising practices by the St. Louis County grand jury at the request of Attorney General Jay Nixon.

Rayburn is charged with four counts of unlawful merchandising practices in connection with the home improvement business he ran. According to the indictment, Rayburn was paid by consumers to perform extensive projects on their homes, including construction of home additions such as new rooms, larger bathrooms and new garages, but failed to complete the work. The indictment states that Rayburn willfully and knowingly engaged in misrepresentation to his customers with intent to defraud. The allegations against Rayburn date back to April 2005.

Unlawful merchandising practices is a Class D felony under Missouri law, punishable upon conviction by up to four years in prison and a fine of $5,000 per count. The pending charges against the defendant are merely accusations. As in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

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