Arkansas Attorney General files lawsuit against unlicensed contractor

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The Arkansas Attorney General's Leslie Rutledge has filed a lawsuit against a man that's caught the attention of 7 On Your Side.

Howard Gene Hickman, an unlicensed contractor, is accused of scamming more people out of their money. 7 On Your Side first reported about Gene Hickman nearly eight years ago. Back then, he was scamming people in Lonoke County and went to prison for it. He was released on parole in 2016, but now he's accused of swindling more people out of their money.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge filed a lawsuit Thursday against Hickman and his business, HGH Development LLC. The attorney general's office says three people recently filed complaints with the office, accusing Hickman of soliciting them for roofing repairs. The lawsuit says Hickman kept thousand of dollars in payments without performing any roofing or re-modeling work.

Hickman has a lengthy criminal history. Back in 2016, KATV spoke with one victim who says she's owed thousands of dollars from Hickman after she hired him to build a cabin for her daughter.

"I need my money," Myrtie Gilkerson said. "It took my husband and I 60 years to save up for that."

The attorney general released a statement Thursday saying in part:

"Scam artists will often prey on Arkansans after a storm wreaks havoc on our communities and homes. Together, we are fighting back against these bad actors to keep them from causing more financial loss and heartache."

For more tips to help avoid falling victim to bad actors, or to file a consumer-related claim with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, call (800) 482-8982, email consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov.