Missouri attorney general files charges against local contractor

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office has filed charges against a local contractor for allegedly defrauding customers.

Bailey's office yesterday announced charges against Richard Gillette, 51, in connection with his business, Premiere Exterior Solutions, according to a news release.

Gillette has been charged with one count of financial exploitation of an elderly person, two counts of stealing and three counts of deceptive business practices, according to Bailey's office.

“As attorney general, I will enforce the laws as written, which includes holding those who take advantage of innocent Missourians accountable,” Bailey said in the release. “I’m proud of the critical work my office does to right these wrongs throughout the state, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to obtain justice for any Missourian who has been ripped off.”

The charges allege that Gillette’s business falsely promised to conduct home renovations in exchange for upfront payments. According to the litigation, Gillette allegedly abandoned projects after performing negligible or no work.

Premiere Exterior Solutions, based in Nixa, had its Better Business Bureau accreditation revoked in May, according to past reporting.

A call to the business went unanswered this morning.