William Stephens ordered to pay more than $100,000 to victims
NORMAN – Attorney General Mike Hunter today announced William Stephens, the owner of Tornado King, a storm shelter manufacturing and installation company, pleaded no contest to six counts of embezzlement and one count of a pattern of criminal offenses.
As part of the plea, Stephens will pay $101,403.23 in restitution to victims and serve a five year deferred sentence.
Attorney General Hunter commended the work of the agents who investigated Stephens and the attorneys who brought restitution to victims.
“Oklahomans trying to protect their loved ones were left vulnerable by Stephens’ greed,” Attorney General Hunter said. “I am proud of the dedication by the agents and attorneys in the Consumer Protection Unit, who worked tirelessly to ensure victims in this case were made whole and that Stephens was held liable.”
An investigation by the Attorney General’s Office began after receiving multiple complaints by Tornado King customers, claiming Stephens was paid full or partial payments for storm shelters that were never installed.
According to investigators, when work wasn’t completed, and victims tried to contact the company, Stephens would give excuses and eventually became unresponsive.
Related
Attorney General Hunter files charges on Tornado King.
William Stephens, Owner of Tornado King Shelters, in Custody: http://bit.ly/2qGj5cj.
About the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit
The Consumer Protection Unit protects consumers from fraudulent, unfair or deceptive business practices and as well as identity theft. To file a consumer complaint or report suspected identity theft, go online to https://www.ok.gov/oag/, call (405) 521-2029, (918) 581-2885 or e-mail [email protected].