Hailey
The Kansas Attorney General, Kris Kobach, has filed a civil lawsuit against a Missouri-based construction company and several individuals for allegedly targeting elderly residents in Manhattan, Kansas.
The lawsuit claims the defendants engaged in deceptive, high-pressure sales tactics, charging excessive fees for services and ignoring consumer protection laws.
This case highlights the ongoing concern of elderly exploitation in door-to-door sales and the importance of legal safeguards for vulnerable residents.
Who Is Being Sued
The lawsuit names:
- M.GC Construction LLC – the Missouri-based company
- Nathan Leavy – the owner
- Four employees of the company
The defendants are accused of using predatory practices, including misrepresentation of costs and ignoring required legal notifications, which specifically affected elderly homeowners in Manhattan.
Allegations Against the Defendants
The lawsuit details multiple violations of Kansas consumer protection laws:
- Aggressive Door-to-Door Solicitation: Defendants reportedly visited homes without proper permits or prior consent.
- Deceptive Payment Practices: Residents were pressured to write checks payable to individuals rather than the company, making it difficult to dispute charges later.
- Failure to Provide Cancellation Notices: Many homeowners did not receive the legally required three-day right to cancel for door-to-door sales.
- Excessive Pricing: One reported case involved a 75-year-old resident charged $31,000 for tree work valued at approximately $4,500, indicating significant overcharging.
These practices are claimed to be unconscionable, particularly because the victims were elderly consumers who may not have understood their rights or the true cost of services.
Penalties and Legal Remedies
The Attorney General’s office is seeking:
- Civil penalties for violations of consumer protection laws
- Enhanced penalties due to targeting of vulnerable seniors
- A permanent injunction preventing the defendants and associated employees from conducting door-to-door sales in Kansas in the future
Residents who suspect they have been exploited are encouraged to report the incidents to the Kansas AG’s office.
Key Information at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach |
| Defendants | M.GC Construction LLC, Owner Nathan Leavy, 4 Employees |
| Court | Riley County District Court |
| Alleged Violations | Kansas Consumer Protection Act, Door-to-Door Sales Act |
| Location | Manhattan, Kansas |
| Targeted Group | Elderly residents |
| Reported Overcharge Example | $31,000 vs $4,500 fair value |
| Legal Remedies Sought | Civil penalties, enhanced penalties, permanent injunction |
| Consumer Action | File complaint with Kansas AG Office |
This lawsuit underscores the risks of elderly exploitation in high-pressure sales, showing how some companies may take advantage of vulnerable consumers.
The Kansas Attorney General’s legal action seeks to hold the defendants accountable, enforce consumer protections, and prevent similar misconduct in the future. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, know their rights, and report any suspicious door-to-door business activities.