AG Tom Horne Cracks Down On Deceptive Home Improvement Scheme

PHOENIX (Friday, January 27, 2012) -- Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne has filed documents in Maricopa County Superior Court alleging that Ray E. Bornert violated an 18-year-old court order, stemming from a deceptive home improvement scheme, by marketing and selling radiant barriers to Arizona consumers.

Horne stated, “Nearly two decades ago, Mr. Bornert agreed to put an end to his selling of questionable products. Now it appears he has violated a court order in an attempt to convince a new crop of potential customers to buy his wares. My office is going to ensure that the court order is enforced, thus stopping Mr. Bornert once again and protecting consumers.”

In 1993 the Office of Arizona Attorney General sued Home Craftsman Company and its general manager, Ray Bornert, alleging that the company used high pressure sales tactics and misleading demonstrations to misrepresent the benefits of so-called “radiant barriers”, essentially, pieces of aluminum foil pressed between pieces of paper that supposedly insulate homes. Bornert agreed to a consent judgment resolving the lawsuit and the court permanently banned him from selling or marketing any radiant barrier in the State of Arizona or to Arizona consumers.

In its recent filing, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office alleges that Ray Bornert recently targeted senior citizens at “free lunch” seminars in Casa Grande, Sun City, Sierra Vista, and Sun Lakes for the marketing of radiant barriers, in violation of the 1993 judgment. The Attorney General is requesting that Bornert be required to appear in court to show why he should not be found in contempt and be ordered to pay civil penalties to the State for violating the court order against him.

This case is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Cherie Howe.

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