Kansas Attorney General
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced Tuesday that his office obtained a consent judgment against Rodney Rippe, the operator of an Ellis County construction business, Straight Line Remodeling, LLC. The judgment holds Rippe personally liable for his deceptive business practices and permanently bans him from operating, directly or indirectly, any business in the state.
“This judgement sends an unmistakable message to any business thinking about defrauding Kansas consumers: We will shut you down, we will ban you from doing business here, and we will ensure that you cannot escape remedies owed to victims,” Kobach said.
Following the Attorney General’s consumer protection lawsuit, the judgment provides substantial financial relief for the victims and ensures Rippe cannot harm future consumers.
Rippe also is permanently banned from owning, operating or managing any business in Kansas, and the judgement explicitly prevents him from indirectly attempting to operate a business using third parties, family members, shell entities or assignees.
Judgment was entered personally against Rippe for over $1 million in consumer restitution, which will be directed to eight specific households. Additionally, Rippe was ordered to pay $20,000 to cover the state’s investigative fees and expenses.
Kansas residents who believe they have been subjected to deceptive or unconscionable business practices are encouraged to contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Kansas Attorney General at www.ag.ks.gov or by calling 1-800-432-2310.
A copy of the Consent Judgment is available here.