Consumer Protection Division Issues Cease and Desist Order
Against Home Improvement Contractor

BALTIMORE, MD (June 7, 2007) - Maryland Attorney Douglas F. Gansler announced today that his Consumer Protection Division has issued a cease and desist order against Robert E. Lee, 55, of Bowie, for collecting payments from consumers for home improvement services that he either never completed, or in some cases, never began. The cease and desist order requires Lee to pay restitution to consumers and to stop selling home improvement services in Maryland.

The Consumer Protection Division determined that Lee, who did business as Razorback Builders and Brighter Solutions, violated the Maryland Consumer Protection Act by selling home improvement services that he did not provide and by failing to refund customers’ payments. The Division’s cease and desist order immediately bars Lee from selling home improvement services in Maryland unless he provides the Division a $40,000 surety bond. Lee was also ordered to return all of the money he took from consumers for services he did not provide. The Division found that at least nine consumers are owed a minimum of $45,713, and has ordered Mr. Lee to return this money plus any additional monies he has taken from consumers for services that he did not provide. Mr. Lee has 30 days to request a hearing to challenge the Division’s order.

“This contractor will no longer be able to take advantage of consumers,” said Attorney General Gansler. “Prior to hiring a home improvement contractor, consumers should contact the Consumer Protection Division and Home Improvement Commission to see if the contractor is licensed or if they have had complaints filed against them.”

Consumers who purchased, but did not receive goods or services from Robert E. Lee and his company, Razorback Builders and Brighter Solutions, should call the Consumer Protection Division at 410-576-6569 or write to the Consumer Protection Division at 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.