A Research Triangle-area contractor has been banned from the state, according to a Wake County judge’s ruling.
Roger Dale Simmons allegedly ran a contracting fraud scheme that targeted homeowners in the Triangle-area. In February, Attorney General Josh Stein sued Simmons after receiving 10 complaints about Simmons that totaled more than $139,000 in losses.
“I am pleased that the judge issued a permanent ban on this bad actor so he can no longer take advantage of North Carolinians,” said Stein in a statement.
Simmons is an unlicensed general contractor who has operated unregistered businesses under the names Modish Remodeling, Deck Ace, and Deck Ace Handyman Services.
Stein’s lawsuit alleged that Simmons took money from people to complete projects, such as building rooms or porches but didn’t get the necessary building permits and inspections.
He demanded advance payment for specific stages of the work even though he hadn’t completed the work that he’d been previously paid for. Once he received his last payment, he abandoned the project, and customers had to hire a new contractor.
Many of Simmons’ victims live in Cary and Apex.
Superior Court judge Claire Hill’s order states that Simmons is permanently banned from doing any contracting and home repair work in North Carolina or advertising, soliciting, and entering into contracts with North Carolina consumers for such work, and receiving payments from NC consumers for any product or service.
He must also pay restitution to North Carolina for the 10 consumers who submitted complaints to our office, in the amount of $139,152.00.
He must also pay a civil penalty to North Carolina of $5,000 for each violation of the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, in the amount of $50,000.