Attorney General Chris Koster said today that Patrick F. Rayburn, of St. Louis, has pleaded guilty to four counts of unlawful merchandising practices for defrauding consumers in the sale of home improvement projects. He said Rayburn was arrested on February 29, 2008, after being indicted by the St. Louis County grand jury at the
request of the Attorney General’s Office.
Koster said Rayburn was paid by consumers to perform extensive projects on their homes, including construction of home additions such as new rooms, larger bathrooms, and new garages, but he never completed the work.
“The Attorney General’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue all those who prey on hard-working Missourians,”Koster said. “We are committed to protecting consumers from these fraudulent contractors through arduous enforcement of the state’s
consumer protection laws.”
Koster said unlawful merchandising practices is a Class D felony under Missouri law, punishable upon conviction by up to four years in prison and a fine of $5,000 per count. He said Rayburn is facing up to 16 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines, plus
restitution to his victims. He will be sentenced October 30 in St. Louis County.