Schmitt obtains $20K judgment against local business

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt's office obtained a $20,000 judgment against a local fence contractor.

The order requires Missouri Fence Company-Springfield LLC and its owner, Justin Schmidt, to pay restitution to customers for allegedly taking upfront deposits but largely failing to install fences as promised, according to a news release.

“My office always stands willing to intervene in order to get the restitution due to consumers,” Schmitt said in the release. “I’m pleased with the result in this case, and my office will work to ensure that the affected consumers are repaid by Schmidt.”

The judgment additionally prohibits Schmidt from operating or managing a residential construction services business until full restitution is paid or a year passes, according to the release.

The Better Business Bureau previously issued a consumer warning against Missouri Fence Company-Springfield.

Schmidt is listed as a resident of Republic on the company’s articles of organization filed in 2018 with the Missouri secretary of state. Schmidt also is identified as a registered agent for JMS Lawn & Home Services LLC, which was organized in 2015, according to state records.