Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has launched legal action against Ronald E. Lewis, a contractor from Blacklick, Ohio. The state accuses him of taking thousands of dollars from local homeowners.
Investigators say he accepted deposits for patios, driveways, and other concrete jobs but left projects incomplete. Some residents claim he never started the work at all. Others say he dug holes or poured partial slabs and then vanished.
Officials argue that his actions broke consumer protection laws and caused heavy financial losses across Franklin County and surrounding communities.
Case Background
The lawsuit is now active in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Prosecutors say Ronald Lewis accepted thousands of dollars from multiple Ohio families. He promised patios, driveways, and other home improvement projects.
Investigators reviewed complaints from across the area. They found a repeated pattern. Lewis collected money, started small tasks, and then walked away. In some cases, he never returned after signing contracts. In others, he left open yards, unsafe walkways, or piles of gravel.
The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that ten households lost close to $70,000. Officials say the scope of the damage is broader than unfinished projects. Families lost savings, time, and trust in local contractors. The state argues that these losses justify full court intervention.
Alleged Violations
The state claims Lewis broke several laws.
-
Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA): Prosecutors say he deceived customers by accepting money and not completing jobs.
-
Home Solicitation Sales Act (HSSA): The complaint says he ignored rules that give homeowners three days to cancel contracts.
-
Business rules: The Attorney General says Lewis failed to register his business name as required.
Victims’ Stories
Homeowners describe frustration and loss. A woman said she paid almost $10,000 and never saw the job finished. A man said he handed over money for a driveway repair but was left with loose gravel. Others said Lewis dug holes and never came back.
Victims tried to reach him. They called, texted, and emailed. Some received excuses about weather or supplies. Others heard nothing at all.
State’s Demands
The Attorney General seeks refunds for victims. The lawsuit also asks the court to fine Lewis for each violation. It demands a court order to stop him from working unless he follows the law.
Attorney General Dave Yost spoke clearly. “Contractors who take money and run will be held accountable,” he said.
Next Steps
The case will move through court. Lewis has the right to respond. If the state wins, victims may get their money back. Lewis could also face fines and restrictions on future business.
Advice for Homeowners
Officials urge Ohio residents to research every contractor before agreeing to a deal. The Ohio Attorney General’s website lists complaint histories. The Better Business Bureau also provides ratings and customer reports. A quick check can reveal patterns of past disputes. Experts caution against paying the full price at the start. A small deposit is safer.
The rest should be paid only after work shows real progress or after the project is complete. This approach protects families from sudden losses if a contractor disappears. Every homeowner should demand a written contract. A proper contract must outline the total cost, the type of work, and the finish date. Clear terms create accountability and limit room for excuses. Records are vital in any dispute.
Reporting Contractor Fraud
Ohio residents who suspect fraud have clear options. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office operates an online complaint form on its official website. Homeowners can submit details about contracts, payments, and unfinished work. They may also attach receipts, photos, and messages as evidence.
The office also runs a consumer hotline for faster reporting. Calls are logged and reviewed by investigators. Each report helps the state identify patterns, connect cases, and track problem businesses across counties.
Officials stress that one complaint may seem small, but combined reports build strong legal cases. Many consumer lawsuits begin when multiple residents speak up about similar experiences. The Attorney General urges victims not to stay silent. Reports protect not only individual families but also the wider community.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Ronald Lewis shows the danger of trusting the wrong contractor. Families lost savings and faced unfinished work. Some homes were left unsafe, and others looked like construction zones that never ended.
The State of Ohio now steps in to demand justice. The Attorney General seeks refunds, penalties, and strict orders. These actions aim to protect victims and prevent new losses.
This case is a warning to every homeowner. A simple check of a contractor’s record can save thousands of dollars. Research, written agreements, and smart payment plans keep families safe.
Ohio officials want residents to report fraud quickly. Each complaint strengthens consumer protection and holds dishonest businesses accountable.
The Lewis case may end in court orders and refunds. The lesson is simple: contractors must earn trust, and the law steps in when they fail.
