North Dakota AG: Roving con-artists banned from state

(KFYR)
Published: Jan. 17, 2020 at 6:44 PM CST
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North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued a cease and desist order against a group of people who reportedly scammed several unsuspecting homeowners, primarily in McLean County, with faulty or overpriced repairs.

Investigators with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Consumer Protection Division, and the McLean County State’s Attorney are investigating the case.

Stenehjem’s office says at least 12 individuals or organizations have been named in the order.

In November, Your News Leader reported on one of the men named, Sean Gorman, who’s accused of scamming an elderly man out of more than $100,000 in fraudulent repairs.

Investigators say they are part of a larger out-of-state crime ring known as either the “Travelers” or “Irish Travelers.”

Stenehjem’s office says they focus on scamming rural areas within oil-producing counties.

The scammers often show up unannounced and perform work without permission, and sometimes threaten the resident if they don’t pay.

A number of charges have been filed in McLean County.

Anyone who thinks they may have been victimized should contact The Consumer Protection Division’s hotline at: 1-800-472-2600.

The list of names in the order includes:

Gorman General Contracting

Sean Patrick Gorman

Bartley Gorman, Jr.

Robert Gorman

Patrick Michael Gorman

Joseph Jude Gorman

John Gorman

Ann Gorman

John Costello

John Lovell

William Riley

Peter TooGood