Northeast News
February 3, 2012

Homeowners in Joplin allegedly lost tens of thousands of dollars when a Branson West based construction company failed to complete its work or deliver supplies.

Attorney General Chris Koster filed a lawsuit Feb. 2 against E. Brian Sides, Reeds Spring, and his construction company ABP Quality Construction, Inc., Branson West, alleging the defendants failed to provide goods and home repair services paid for by tornado victims.

Koster’s lawsuit alleges that after homeowners paid Sides and ABP Quality Construction tens of thousands of dollars for items like tile, cabinets and appliances, the defendants stopped working on the victims’ homes, failing to complete the projects and deliver the already paid for supplies and appliances.

As a result, the victims were forced to purchase these items elsewhere at additional cost.

“Unfortunately, there are always those who will take advantage of unsuspecting consumers during times of tragedy,” Koster said. “I want to assure consumers that this office will never stop pursuing those who engage in this illegal behavior.”

The Attorney General is seeking a restraining order requiring Sides to stop operating a construction business and to provide restitution to customers who were damaged. In addition, Koster is asking the court to impose civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and to require the defendants to pay for all court, investigation and prosecution costs.