The state Attorney General's Office has barred a Sewickley Township man from doing business as a roofing contractor until 2005 under an agreement stemming from a home improvement fraud lawsuit.
The decision to bar Chuck's Roofing, 170 Cameron St., Hutchinson, from operating for three years resolved a January 2002 lawsuit filed by the Bureau of Consumer Protection against owner Chuck Dinkfelt. The lawsuit claimed Dinkfelt used inferior materials, did not finish projects and failed to meet the terms of written contracts with clients.
The lawsuit also claimed that customers paid Dinkfelt between $200 and $7,000 for roofing services that once performed resulted in leaks and other problems. Customers said Dinkfelt refused to return and either repair the work or refund their money. The contracts included guarantees that the work would be performed in a "workmanlike manner" using specific materials.
Dinkfelt also ignored a warning from the Attorney General's Office requiring the company to inform customers of their right to cancel a contract within three business days.
Dinkfelt was accused of violating the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. He settled the lawsuit with an agreement approved by Westmoreland County Judge Gary Caruso.
Tim McCormick, Dinkfelt's lawyer, said during the past year he had ongoing discussions with the Attorney General's Office concerning the agreement, which was completed in early December.
Under the agreement, Dinkfelt must pay almost $8,000 in restitution to six homeowners and give full refunds to clients who file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office before March 29 if their contract did not include a "buyer's right to cancel" and/or "notice of cancellation." He is required to pay $850 in civil penalties and investigation costs.
The agreement also prohibits Dinkfelt from performing any type of home improvements, selling materials, or advertising in Pennsylvania from late December 2002, when Caruso approved the agreement, until Dec. 30, 2005, said Barbara Petito, a spokeswoman with the Attorney General's office.
McCormick said he did not know what his client would do until he can legally resume his roofing business. Dinkfelt could not be reached for comment.
