(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is suing a northern Ohio contractor and his home-based company for allegedly abandoning swimming pool and pond projects.

The lawsuit, filed in Delaware County Common Pleas Court, accuses former Ohio resident Storm D. Mills and Mills Water Management of violating the Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Home Solicitation Sales Act.

Five consumers lost nearly $250,000 combined after hiring Mills for pool and pond projects. Mills ran the business out of his Seneca County home before relocating to Florida, where he formed a new swimming pool business.

“This guy skipped town and headed south, taking Ohioan’s money with him,” Yost said. “Floridians ought to take caution before diving into business with this scammer.”

One consumer reported that Mills started their pond work, but it was never finished. Others said he performed no work at all. Complaints were filed with the Attorney General’s Office by consumers located in Delaware, Hancock, Richland, Seneca and Wyandot counties.

The Attorney General’s Office is seeking restitution for affected consumers as well as civil penalties and injunctive relief.

AG Yost reminds Ohioans that, before signing a home-improvement contract, be sure to:

Check with local officials to see whether permits are required for the project.
Ask the contractor for references — and follow up with them.
Check whether any complaints have been filed against the contractor with the Better Business Bureau and/or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
Get written estimates from at least three contractors.
Verify your cancellation rights under Ohio law.
Ensure that the contract details:
- A description of the work to be completed.
- Any warranties or guarantees.
- Any verbal promises made by the contractor.
Avoid any contract requiring a large down payment or requiring full payment before the project is completed and inspected.

Casey Carter