AG Yost Sues Another 'Storm Chaser' for Home-Improvement Fraud

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost sued Magic Touch Exteriors and its two operators for allegedly defrauding homeowners across the Midwest of more than $460,000.

The lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, accuses the Hilliard-based company and individuals Joseph Slye and David Harvey of soliciting contracts for roof, gutter and siding repairs in the wake of severe storms but often failing to deliver the promised services. Slye lives in Galloway, Harvey in Columbus.

"This company preyed on homeowners during a highly vulnerable time and then walked away with their money, leaving them with only empty promises," Yost said. "This legal action will hold them accountable, so they don't take advantage of any other Ohioans."

Yost's lawsuit follows on the heels of a similar "storm chaser" suit filed in August against Liberty Restoration and its owner, who are accused of pocketing $158,000 in payments from consumers but failing to perform the repairs and issue refunds. This lawsuit, too, was filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

In this week's case, Yost's Consumer Protection Section is aware of 38 consumer complaints against Magic Touch Exteriors, including 16 from Ohio residents, spanning June 11, 2022, to April 24, 2024. The complaints allege that the company entered into contracts for storm-related home repairs but performed little or no work and stopped responding to consumers altogether. In many cases, consumers also reported issues with payments and communications involving third-party insurance companies. The estimated damages from the 38 complaints exceed $460,000, with individual damages ranging from $2,000 to $30,000.

Yost's lawsuit seeks restitution for affected consumers, civil penalties and injunctive relief to prevent the company and its operators from engaging in similar practices in the future.

Consumers who have a complaint against Magic Touch Exteriors or any other home-improvement company are encouraged to file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 1-800-282-0515.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Hannah Hundley: 614-906-9113

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