Attorney General accuses Algonquin contractor of fraud

An Algonquin contractor bilked at least three customers out of more than $12,000 by accepting down payments for projects it never started, or started and never finished, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by the Illinois Attorney General.

The suit, filed in McHenry County Circuit Court, asks a judge to shut down the Abbey Window Co., order it to repay customers it's accused of defrauding and fine its owner, Thomas Truhlar, up to $50,000 for each violation of state law.

Phone messages seeking comment from Truhlar were not returned.

The suit details three instances in 2006 and 2007 in which, the state claims, Truhlar defrauded customers.

"Truhlar, in the course of advertising, offering for sale and providing awning, window and door sale and installation services, has engaged in a course of trade of commerce which constitutes unfair and deceptive acts or practices," the Attorney General alleges.

In one case, Truhlar accepted $7,567 to install three patio doors at a Crystal Lake home, court documents state, but never finished the job. The owners of the home later sued Truhlar in small claims court, winning a $10,000 judgment that still has not been paid in full, according to the state.

In another instance, the Attorney General alleges, Truhlar received a $3,895 down payment to install 15 windows at a house in Crystal Lake, but did not start the work.

The lawsuit states that the three cases detailed in court documents filed Thursday may not be the only instances of wrongdoing by Truhlar.

The state also alleges that Truhlar never registered his business with the Illinois Secretary of State as required, failed to inform clients they had a three-day right to cancel their contract and did not provide customers with a pamphlet detailing their rights.

The suit is scheduled to appear in court for the first time Dec. 1 before Judge Michael Caldwell.