Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has reached a consent judgment with Hummingbird Construction Co., LLC and its owner, Matthew Ashline, following violations of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. The company was found to have accepted deposits for construction projects in St. Clair, Monroe, Eaton, and Washtenaw Counties but did not begin the contracted work or return the funds as required.
The Attorney General’s office filed a lawsuit last year after receiving complaints from customers who said their requests for refunds were ignored or delayed by Ashline. Additional consumers came forward after news of the lawsuit.
As part of the judgment, Hummingbird Construction will be dissolved, and Ashline is prohibited from selling construction jobs or managing a construction business in Michigan for 10 years. Before the judgment was finalized, Ashline refunded over $150,000 to seven customers and must continue making monthly payments of $10,000 to another customer over nine months.
Attorney General Nessel stated: “I am proud of my Consumer Protection Team for their work and dedication to securing this judgment that ensures impacted customers receive the refunds they are owed and prevents this company from continuing to operate in our state. My office will continue to protect residents from unscrupulous business practices and pursue bad-acting companies that take advantage of Michigan consumers.”
Consumers who suspect other violations can contact the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team by mail at P.O. Box 30213, Lansing, MI 48909; phone at 517-335-7599 or toll-free at 877-765-8388; fax at 517-241-3771; or through an online complaint form.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General holds statewide authority to safeguard residents across Michigan and provides public service through various initiatives such as combating human trafficking and supporting vulnerable populations (https://www.michigan.gov/ag). Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s 54th attorney general (https://www.michigan.gov/ag). The department manages consumer complaints and addresses key community needs as part of its mission (https://www.michigan.gov/ag).
