Attorney General Kelly Ayotte announced today that the Merrimack County Superior Court sentenced Richard Nelson, d/b/a Nelco Fence, to one year in the Merrimack County House of Corrections, all but 45 days suspended. Mr. Nelson will begin serving his sentence on June 1, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. Nelson was convicted of taking deposits from consumers to construct fencing, but failing to complete the agreed upon work, and failing to refund deposits. The State charged Nelson with violations of the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act.

In addition to the jail time, the Court’s sentence requires that Nelson make payment on all outstanding civil judgments against him filed by consumers in various state courts. Nelson is also prohibited from accepting deposits for work until such work is substantially completed.

Attorney General Ayotte said “This case demonstrates that my office takes seriously crimes that are committed against New Hampshire consumers. Anyone who violates the Consumer Protection Act is subject to civil or criminal penalties. We will continue to take action against businesses that deceive and victimize consumers.”