DeWine sues owner of Southwest Ohio computer repair shop

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has announced a lawsuit against Ronald Denicola Jr., doing business as JR Computer Outlet, a computer repair and sales store with a physical location and a website.

The lawsuit is a result of multiple consumer complaints regarding the company failing to provide services that were paid for, not giving proper estimates, and not disclosing its refund policy. The Attorney General's lawsuit alleges multiple violations of Ohio's consumer laws.

"JR Computer Outlet was taking consumers' money without properly repairing computers or performing other requested services," Attorney General DeWine said. "This lawsuit is another example that we will not stand for companies trying to take advantage of consumers in Ohio."

JR Computer Outlet's principal place of business was in Maineville, Ohio. The company sold and repaired computers at the store location and through its website. According to complaints received by the Attorney General's Office, many consumers said the company did not provide services or repairs after they paid deposits. The lawsuit further alleges that JR Computer Outlet did not offer consumers estimates and in some instances stated it had made repairs that the company did not actually perform.

The lawsuit, filed in Warren County, charges Ronald Denicola, the owner of JR Computer Outlet, with multiple violations of the Consumer Sales Practices Act. Specific violations include failure to deliver, failure to inform consumers of their right to an estimate, charging for a repair or service that was not authorized by the consumer, and failure to register the business with the Ohio Secretary of State. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, consumer restitution, and civil penalties.

Under Ohio's Repair or Service Rule, consumers have a right to a verbal or written estimate if the anticipated cost of the repair or service is more than $25. Consumers cannot be charged more than $5 or 10 percent of the original estimate, whichever is greater, without the company receiving authorization from the consumer.

Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly by a repair or service company or any other business should file complaints at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.