The Contractor Ronald Lewis lawsuit in Ohio is a recent legal case involving allegations against Ronald Lewis, a concrete contractor operating as Ron Lewis Cement in Blacklick, Ohio. Filed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in 2025, the lawsuit accuses Lewis of abandoning multiple concrete-pouring jobs, violating consumer protection laws, and engaging in deceptive business practices that caused substantial financial losses to customers. The case highlights important consumer rights issues related to home improvement contracts and contractor accountability.
Background and Origins of the Lawsuit
In May 2025, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a lawsuit in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court against Ronald Lewis, who did business as Ron Lewis Cement. The suit arose from complaints by ten consumers who collectively lost nearly $70,000 after hiring Lewis to complete concrete projects, including driveway work. Despite accepting upfront payments, Lewis allegedly ceased work on these jobs as early as March 2024, leaving many customers with incomplete or unstarted projects.
Previously known for quality workmanship, Lewis is accused of abandoning excavation after initial work was done, failing to complete concrete pouring, or not commencing work at all. The lawsuit further alleges that Lewis failed to register his business with the Ohio Secretary of State, violating the Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA), and did not provide the mandatory three-day cancellation notice to customers, violating the Home Solicitation Sales Act (HSSA).
Key Allegations and Legal Claims
- Violation of Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA): Lewis did business without proper registration and engaged in deceptive acts by failing to deliver contracted services.
- Violation of Home Solicitation Sales Act (HSSA): The lawsuit asserts that Lewis did not provide customers with the legally required three-day right-to-cancel notice for home improvement contracts solicited at their residences.
- Deceptive Business Practices: Accepting significant upfront payments but failing to perform or complete contracted work constitutes fraud and breach of contract.
- Financial Harm to Consumers: Ten clients incurred nearly $70,000 in losses due to incomplete or unperformed concrete work.
- Failure to Meet Contractual Obligations: Several customers reported that Lewis excavated existing driveways but never proceeded with the promised concrete pouring, while others received no work despite payment.
Current Legal Status and Proceedings
As of mid-2025, the lawsuit is active in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Ohio Attorney General’s Office is seeking restitution for the affected consumers, civil penalties, and injunctive relief to prevent Ronald Lewis from continuing deceptive business practices. The case underscores the state’s enforcement of consumer protection laws in the home improvement sector and aims to hold contractors accountable for fraud and unfinished work.
Impact on Consumers and Recommendations
The case serves as a cautionary example for Ohio residents hiring contractors for home improvement projects. The Attorney General’s Office has emphasized the importance of due diligence before signing contracts, including verifying contractor registration with state authorities, obtaining multiple written estimates, understanding cancellation rights, and avoiding large upfront payments without guarantees of work completion.
Customers who have been defrauded or suffered from contractors abandoning jobs are encouraged to report such experiences to consumer protection agencies and consider legal recourse.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ronald Lewis Lawsuit
What is Ronald Lewis accused of?
Ronald Lewis is accused of abandoning concrete jobs, violating consumer protection laws, accepting upfront payments without delivering promised work, and failing to register his business properly.
How much did customers lose?
Ten customers collectively suffered nearly $70,000 in financial losses due to incomplete or unperformed concrete work.
What laws did Ronald Lewis allegedly violate?
The lawsuit cites violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA) and Home Solicitation Sales Act (HSSA), among other laws related to deceptive business actions.
What remedies is Ohio seeking?
The Attorney General’s Office is pursuing restitution for customers, civil fines, and court orders to prevent further deceptive conduct by Ronald Lewis.
What should consumers do before hiring a contractor?
Verify the contractor’s registration and licensing, request references, get multiple written estimates, understand your cancellation rights, and never make large upfront payments without clear contractual protections.
Conclusion
The Ronald Lewis Ohio lawsuit spotlights critical consumer protection issues in the home improvement and contracting industry. It demonstrates the serious consequences of abandoning paid services and violating state consumer laws. The case reinforces the state’s commitment to safeguarding homeowners from deceptive contractor practices and stresses the importance of careful contractor vetting and legal awareness. As proceedings continue, affected consumers may obtain restitution, and the legal actions aim to deter similar misconduct within Ohio’s construction and home repair sectors.
