Today, the North Carolina Department of Justice, headed by Attorney General Jeff Jackson, disclosed a consent judgment involving Canary General Contracting and Design, LLC, alongside operator Steven Sand and owner Khuneary Kim. This action followed a lawsuit initiated by the NCDOJ in March 2024, accusing the parties of engaging in deceptive practices against North Carolina consumers. The allegations involved collecting payment for unfinished construction projects, performing unsafe work not compliant with code, and other unfair activities.
The judgment mandates that Sand, Kim, and any associated businesses cease operations within North Carolina and compensate with restitution totaling $60,000. Attorney General Jackson emphasized the responsibility contractors have to uphold commitments, ensure safety, and maintain transparency in charges. “This judgment holds the defendants accountable and gives homeowners back some of what they lost,” Jackson stated. He further warned against potential scams during the reconstruction period in western North Carolina, expressing that fraudsters will face repercussions.
The NCDOJ’s legal action detailed numerous unfair and deceptive activities attributed to the defendants, backed by 17 complaints primarily from the Charlotte area. In response to these issues, Attorney General Jackson has initiated the “Safe to Rebuild” program. This initiative aims to safeguard against contractor fraud and property theft as rebuilding endeavors proceed in western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene. The Department of Justice has committed to scrutinizing all allegations of contractor misconduct in this region. Consumers are encouraged to report issues and access information on reputable service providers through the NCDOJ’s official website.
