News Release
07/01/2009
W.A. Drew Edmondson, Attorney General
Lewis to Pay Almost $57,000 Restitution for Online Sales Scheme
An Oklahoma man will pay almost $57,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to online fraud, Attorney General Drew Edmondson said.
Stephen Douglas Lewis pleaded guilty in Rogers County District Court today to seven counts of unfair or deceptive trade practices related to his online business sales. Lewis was ordered to pay $56,869.50 in restitution and agreed to stop doing online business in Oklahoma. He was also sentenced to a five-year deferred sentence on each count to run concurrently.
Lewis sold trailers, fencing panels, metal storage sheds and ceramic insulation materials though numerous companies including Cowboy and Company, USA Cowboy, Arieyl Trailer and Pioneer Builders Supply and Services. According to the state, Lewis placed the items for sale in online auctions and in online advertisements. The state alleges Lewis accepted payment for but failed to deliver several items between March 2005 and May 2007.
Edmondson’s office charged Lewis in May 2008 after an investigation by the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Unit found he scammed consumers from 13 states, including Oklahoma.
Edmondson’s Consumer Protection Unit has statewide jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violations of the state’s Consumer Protection Act. Anyone with information regarding suspected fraud or scams can contact the attorney general’s consumer protection hotline at (405) 521-2029.