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STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DARRELL V. MCGRAW, JR. CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 1-800-368-8808 or 304-558-8986 |
Press Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jill L. Miles Phone: 304-558-8986 |
Release Date: January 25, 2002 |
McGraw Issues Warning About Contemptuous Contractor's Release From JailJanuary 25, 2002 ATTORNEY GENERAL DARRELL V. McGRAW, JR. ISSUES WORD OF WARNING AS CONTEMPTUOUS CONTRACTOR IS RELEASED FROM JAIL On Thursday, Kanawha County Circuit Judge Charles King, Jr. entered an order which will allow Huey Richard Small to be released from jail as long as he continues to make monthly payments to the Attorney General's office and does not attempt to flee the jurisdiction. In May of 2001, Small was arrested in Princeton, West Virginia, on contempt of court charges arising from the Attorney General's consumer protection action against the unlicensed paving contractor. In 1998 Judge King ordered Small to pay $125,000 in consumer restitution and to discontinue his illegal contracting business. Small never attempted to pay the judgment and in July of 2000, the Attorney General's office again caught Small going door-to-door soliciting elderly consumers to allow him to pave their driveways. The Attorney General's office filed contempt charges, but Small refused to appear in court and Judge King ordered his arrest. "Small evaded capture and managed to file for bankruptcy without ever appearing in court," said Attorney General McGraw. The Attorney General's office pursued its judgment in bankruptcy court and obtained possession of Small's dump truck. The bankruptcy was dismissed in December of 2000 with the Attorney General's judgment against Small in tact. "He still stubbornly refused to make any effort to pay," said Attorney General McGraw. Small spent eight months in the South Central Regional Jail before he finally promised to pay $500 each month until the judgment is satisfied. According to Judge King's order, if Small fails to make the monthly payments, a warrant for his arrest will be issued. In addition, Small's mother was required to post her home as bail to ensure that Small does not flee the state. "Let this serve as an example to all unscrupulous contractors," said Attorney General McGraw. "If you commit widespread fraud, if you victimize elderly and vulnerable consumers, we will not rest until you are brought to justice." | |
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