Many homeowners in Ohio needed concrete work. They paid a contractor to do the job. He took their money but did not finish. Some said he never even started. Trust broke. So did their peace of mind.
The contractor is Ronald Lewis. He runs a business called Ron Lewis Cement. The Ohio Attorney General filed a lawsuit against him. The case says he took payments but failed to deliver. It also claims he broke consumer laws and ignored basic business rules.
This lawsuit is serious. It shows what can happen when a contractor takes advantage of clients. State law gives the Attorney General power to act. His office stepped in to protect people and stop the harm.
This article covers the full case. It explains the legal claims, the facts, and what may happen next. It also gives tips to help readers avoid the same problem.
Who Is Ronald Lewis?
Ronald E. Lewis is a contractor based in Blacklick, Ohio. He does business as Ron Lewis Cement. His company offers concrete services to homeowners. That includes patios, driveways, sidewalks, and small home improvement projects.
The lawsuit claims he took money from several customers. After that, he did little or no work. Some homeowners said he dug holes but never returned. Others said he poured concrete but never finished the project. In all cases, people felt scammed.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office began looking into complaints. After reviewing the facts, the office filed a lawsuit. The case now stands in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.
What Does the Lawsuit Say?
The lawsuit accuses Ronald Lewis of violating two key Ohio laws:
-
Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA)
This law protects buyers from unfair and deceptive business acts. The lawsuit says Lewis broke this law by taking money and failing to complete jobs. -
Home Solicitation Sales Act (HSSA)
This law requires certain notices and gives buyers a right to cancel within three days. The lawsuit says Lewis ignored this rule. He did not provide cancellation rights or written notice.
The Attorney General said at least ten customers paid him nearly $70,000 in total. In many cases, Lewis started the work but then left. In some, he never started at all. He also failed to register his business name as required under Ohio law.
What Is the State Asking for?
The lawsuit asks the court to stop Lewis from doing more business unless he follows the law. It also seeks:
- Customer refunds
- Civil penalties for each law violation
- Court orders to stop unfair practices
The goal is not just to punish but to stop future harm. The state wants to protect others from facing the same problem.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said the case shows how his office fights for fairness. “We won’t let contractors take money and run,” he said in a public statement.
This case shows the value of a quick check and highlights how state-level lawsuits help protect public rights.
How Did the Victims Lose Money?
Victims of the case said they trusted Lewis. They signed contracts and paid deposits. Then they waited. In some cases, Lewis promised to return in days. Instead, weeks passed, then months. Some homeowners had torn-up yards, unsafe walkways, or unusable spaces.
Many victims said they called, texted, and sent emails but got no reply. A few said Lewis made excuses. Others said he blamed weather or supplies. Some never heard from him again.
One woman paid nearly $10,000 and never saw the work completed. Another man paid for a driveway fix but was left with loose gravel and empty promises. These stories pushed the state to take legal action.
What Can Ohio Homeowners Learn?
This case teaches clear lessons. Homeowners must protect themselves when hiring help. You can take simple steps to avoid loss.
Check the contractor’s name online. Use the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or the Better Business Bureau. These sites show complaints and past problems.
Do not pay the full amount upfront. A small deposit is okay. Wait until the job starts or ends before paying the rest.
Put every deal in writing. Use clear contracts. Include the cost, the job details, and a finish date.
Keep all proof. Save texts, emails, receipts, and photos. This helps if you must report a bad job later.
You also have the right to cancel. If a contractor visits your home and sells a service, the law gives you three days to change your mind.
These steps give you control. They also help the state take action if a contractor breaks the law.
What Happens Next?
The lawsuit is active. The case will move through the legal system in Franklin County. Lewis will have a chance to respond in court. If the court rules in favor of the state, victims may get money back. Lewis may also face fines or orders to stop certain actions.
Until the case ends, it remains an open matter. The public can watch court records and news updates for progress. Anyone who dealt with Lewis may still report their experience to the Attorney General’s Office.
Where to Report a Bad Contractor
Ohio residents can file a complaint through the Ohio Attorney General’s official website. It offers a simple form for consumer issues. They can also call the office or send documents by mail.
This helps the state track problem businesses. It also supports future cases. Many lawsuits start when enough people speak up.
Final Thoughts
The contractor Ronald Lewis Ohio lawsuit sends a clear message. Trust matters. When it breaks, the cost can be high. Homeowners must stay alert before they hire anyone to work on their homes.
This case shows the value of a quick check. Look up the contractor. Read reviews. One simple search can stop a bad deal. Ten people lost money here. Now the state is stepping in to help them.
If this happens to you, speak up. Report the problem. Use your rights. That’s how you protect your home and help others do the same.
This article is for general information only and does not provide legal advice.