Elmhurst man accused of defrauding appliance customers in attorney general lawsuit

Attorney General Lisa Madigan is suing an Elmhurst man accused of defrauding customers out of thousands of dollars by selling defective appliances.

Madigan filed the suit Friday in Cook County circuit court against Edmund Kavanaugh, accusing him of selling defective appliances to residents of Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake counties through his businesses, All Appliances Inc., All Appliances Outlet Inc. and Terry's Warehouse Appliances.

According to the lawsuit, Kavanaugh advertised used appliance sales on Facebook and other phone apps, even though none of his businesses were registered by the Illinois Secretary of State as required by state law.

Madigan said her office has received complaints from residents who purchased used refrigerators, washers and dryers through Kavanaugh's businesses.

Customers reported receiving inoperable products or in some cases, the wrong items altogether, according to the suit. Madigan alleged Kavanaugh refused to exchange products or provide refunds.

"Ed Kavanaugh's latest scam defrauds people by charging them for used appliances, pocketing their money and leaving them without the products they purchased," Madigan said in a written statement.

Kavanaugh was charged by the DuPage County state's attorney this year with failing to register his businesses with the state and violating a municipal ordinance for operating without a license. He pleaded guilty and was charged a fine.

Madigan's Criminal Enforcement Bureau has also filed a criminal indictment against Kavanaugh in a separate home repair scheme. Kavanaugh was indicted in August on felony charges of aggravated home repair fraud and theft.

In her lawsuit, Madigan said she is seeking to prevent Kavanaugh from advertising or selling appliances and asks the court to void any contracts. Madigan is also seeking restitution for residents and civil penalties.