WICHITA, KAN. – A $510,755.40 default judgment was entered against a Wichita area roofing company and its owner for unconscionable and deceptive acts under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, according to a media release from the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.
The Office of the District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division investigated the matter after receiving multiple complaints against Tyler Sims and his company, Flint Hills Roofing Co. LLC.
In a Sedgwick County case, the division alleged Sims and his company committed 28 violations of the act, including failing to pull permits, skipping inspections and failing to finish contracted projects. Several roofs had to be partially or fully replaced to meet building codes.
In one case, Sims and Flint Hills replaced a metal roof using water-damaged, moldy plywood and heavy asphalt shingles. The weight of the materials rendered the structure unsafe to enter.
When an insurance company requested two additional estimates, Sims provided one from a defunct company he formerly owned and forged a second using another company’s logo without permission.
The court ordered Sims and Flint Hills Roofing Co. LLC to pay $36,558.40 in restitution to consumers and $470,000 in civil penalties, along with court costs and investigative fees. Both Sims and the company are banned from doing business in Kansas until the judgment is paid in full, they are properly licensed and they obtain the necessary permits.