The owner of a Fair Haven furniture store was arrested Monday for failing to deliver on $290,000 worth of online orders from 83 customers across the U.S., according to a report by the Asbury Park Press.
It’s not the first time the store and its owner have been in trouble with the law over alleged hinky business practices.
From the story:
MIDDLETOWN — The owner of the Cabbage Rose furniture store in Fair Haven was arrested in his Leonardo home Monday and charged with defrauding at least 83 customers nationwide of more than $290,000.
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs also filed suit Monday against William C. Neumann, 61, accusing him of violating the Consumer Fraud Act by “committing unconscionable commercial practices, making false promises and misrepresentations as well as violating furniture delivery regulations.”
Neumann was charged with theft by deception and misconduct by a corporate official. Bail was set Monday by Superior Court Judge Paul F. Chaiet at $150,000.
Cabbage Rose did business online under the names Chelsea Manor Unlimited and Classic House Furniture. A Google search of the store’s name brings up a 2002 press release by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office announcing a state civil suit against Neumann and the store on allegations they took payments from consumers for furniture and failed to deliver the goods. At the time, Neumann was identified as a Rumson resident.
In the latest action,
Officials with Consumer Affairs also claim Neumann violated a September 2005 consent order with the state by not paying $75,000 in civil penalties and restitution to customers he had cheated. As such, the state has petitioned that Neumann be permanently barred from engaging in any retail business in New Jersey.
“The violations (Neumann) committed against consumers will not be tolerated,” said state Attorney General Stuart Rabner in a prepared statement. “Beyond continuing deceptive practices against consumers, Neumann disregarded the terms of a 2005 settlement.”
The store is listed at 795 River Road. The Press said Neumann couldn’t be reached for comment.
