“This contractor pocketed down payments only to abandon the projects,” Yost said. “Now, we’re stepping in to protect consumers and hold him accountable.”

Yost accused Strickland of violating Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Home Solicitation Sales Act. According to four consumer complaints filed with Yost’s Consumer Protection Section, the defendants solicited business from customers and collected down payments, but performed shoddy work or did not complete the work.

In some instances, after securing initial contracts and payments, Strickland allegedly persuaded customers to sign additional agreements and pay more money for other projects he never completed, the lawsuit states.

Attempts to reach Strickland or his company by phone were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Authorities are seeking restitution for affected consumers as well as civil penalties and injunctive relief. In February, Strickland pleaded guilty to theft charges involving similar allegations in a case prosecuted by the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office.

Yost, who recently stepped down and was replaced by Andy Wilson, warned consumers to stay vigilant when hiring contractors and encouraged any other potential customers impacted by similar situations to reach out to the Attorney General's Office.