Home Contractor Convicted of Theft and Consumer Protection Violations

Concord, NH -- Attorney General John M. Formella announces that Ricky Southers was found guilty yesterday on a felony charge of Theft by Unauthorized Taking or Transfer and three class A misdemeanor charges of violating the terms of an injunction issued under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) in connection with the operation of his former contracting business, Southers Construction, Inc.

The jury found that between May 2 and May 14, 2024, Southers obtained or exercised unauthorized control over more than $60,000 in funds from a Southers Construction customer in connection with a home improvement project.

In addition, the jury found that Southers, in connection with the same home improvement project and two other home improvements projects, violated the terms of an injunction issued under the CPA by soliciting, accepting, receiving, or keeping a prepayment or deposit from customers of Southers Construction. The injunctions he violated included a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction decree, both of which were ordered by the Rockingham County Superior Court.

The injunctions arose from the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau's civil action against Southers and Southers Construction, which alleges they violated the CPA on dozens of occasions by entering into contracts to perform home improvements and taking substantial deposits or prepayments without intending to perform the contracted-for work. That case remains pending.

Investigator Tom Rees investigated the case. Assistant Attorney General Zach Frish and Senior Assistant Attorney General Alexandra Sosnowski prosecuted this case, along with Investigative Paralegal Jessica Vassillion, and Victim Advocate Bianca Monroe.