Ronald Lewis promised concrete work. He operated a business under the name Ron Lewis Cement. He targeted homeowners across Ohio. He offered concrete work on patios, driveways, sidewalks, and home surfaces. His prices sounded fair. His promises seemed real.
Many homeowners trusted him. They signed contracts. They paid deposits. Some handed over thousands of dollars. They expected fast results. They thought the job would start within days.
That never happened.
In some cases, Lewis visited the site. He moved some dirt. He poured a base layer. Then he left. He did not return. In other cases, he took the deposit and vanished. He answered no calls. He read no messages. He gave no reason.
Homeowners felt shocked. They waited weeks. Some waited months. They saw no progress. Their yards stayed damaged. Their driveways stayed broken. Their homes looked worse.
People felt betrayed. They had trusted Lewis with their money and their property. Many had no savings left. They could not afford a second contractor. Their plans collapsed.
The damage grew. Some driveways stayed unsafe. Some patios stayed unfinished. Some yards had deep holes and piles of gravel. These jobs remained untouched.
More complaints reached the state. Victims shared receipts. They showed contracts. They told their stories.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office stepped in. Attorney General Dave Yost reviewed the evidence. His team filed a lawsuit against Ronald Lewis. The case now moves through Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
This lawsuit aims to stop Lewis. It seeks justice. It also works to protect others from the same harm.
Who Is Ronald Lewis?
Ronald E. Lewis runs a business named Ron Lewis Cement. He operates out of Blacklick, Ohio. His company claimed to handle residential concrete jobs. These included outdoor surfaces like patios and walkways.
Ten people say they hired him. They say he promised results. They say he took money and left them with broken yards.
What Did the Lawsuit Reveal?
The state accuses Lewis of violating two Ohio laws:
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Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA)
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Home Solicitation Sales Act (HSSA)
The CSPA protects people from scams and deception. The HSSA gives you the right to cancel a contract within three days. It also requires written notice. Lewis ignored these rules, according to the complaint.
He failed to register his business name. He took deposits and left projects undone. Some victims saw holes in their yards. Others saw concrete poured but never finished. Many saw nothing at all.
The total loss reached $70,000.
What Is the State Demanding?
The state wants the court to block Lewis from new jobs. He must follow the law if he wants to continue business. The lawsuit also demands:
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Full refunds to customers
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Fines for each violation
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Court orders to stop harmful conduct
Attorney General Dave Yost spoke directly. “We won’t let contractors take money and run,” he said.
How Did Victims Lose Money?
Many homeowners trusted Ronald Lewis. They believed he would finish the job. They paid him large deposits. They expected results.
One woman handed over $10,000. She never saw any progress. No crew came. No work started. She lost her savings and her trust.
Another man paid Lewis to repair his driveway. Lewis promised a fresh concrete surface. The man got loose gravel and broken promises. He waited. Nothing changed.
Each victim signed a contract. They followed the steps. They believed the job would start soon. Days passed. Then weeks passed. No one came.
Some homeowners sent texts. Others made phone calls. A few emailed Lewis. Most got no reply. Some heard quick excuses. Others heard nothing at all.
Lewis blamed the weather. He blamed suppliers. He said delays would end soon. He never came back.
Most victims saw no refund. They saw no repairs. They stood outside their homes and faced broken ground, scattered tools, and piles of gravel. Some had unsafe walkways. Others had yards torn apart.
The financial loss hit hard. The emotional stress stayed longer. Some could not afford another contractor. Others had to pay twice to finish the same job.
These losses pushed people to act. They reported Lewis to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Their stories helped build the case. Their voices helped trigger the lawsuit.
What Can You Learn from This Case?
You should stay alert before hiring anyone. Do your research. Use the Ohio Attorney General’s website. Check the Better Business Bureau. Look up reviews and complaints.
You should not pay the full cost upfront. Small deposits are safer. Wait until the job starts before making more payments.
You should put every job in writing. Include the cost, the scope, and the finish date.
You should save every record. Keep receipts, texts, emails, and photos. These protect you later.
The law gives you power. If a contractor comes to your home and sells a service, you have three days to cancel the deal. Use that right.
What Happens Next in Court?
The case will move through the legal system. Lewis will get his chance to respond. If the court sides with the state, victims may receive refunds. Lewis may face penalties or bans on future work.
The court has not ruled yet. The public can follow the case through court records. If you hired Lewis, you can still file a complaint.
Where Can You Report a Contractor in Ohio?
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office offers easy options:
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Fill out the online complaint form
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Call the consumer protection line
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Send your documents through mail
These reports help the state build cases. They also stop future scams.
Why This Case Matters
This case shows the risk that comes with hiring the wrong contractor. It also shows what happens when the state steps in. Ten people paid money. Ten people got no results. Their stories helped trigger legal action.
You must protect your home. You must protect your savings. No contractor deserves blind trust. A handshake and a promise mean nothing without proof.
Many people skip the research. They rush the deal. They believe the words. That mistake costs thousands. You do not need to take that risk.
The law gives you rights. You can cancel a deal within three days if it happens at your home. That right stays in place no matter what the contractor says.
You should always check reviews. You should always check business records. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau list public complaints. One search can expose a pattern.
You must stay alert. Scammers look normal. They sound honest. They seem friendly. That does not make them trustworthy.
This lawsuit reminds you to act early. Speak up if a deal goes wrong. Keep records. Keep receipts. Keep photos. That evidence helps the state build a case.
You do not stand alone. The law exists to protect you. State officials respond when people report real harm. Enough voices lead to action. This case proves that.
The state wants justice. The victims want fairness. The public wants safety. You can help stop the next scam before it starts.
