The owner and operator of a College Park furniture store will pay at least $79,000 in restitution to more than 240 people who were not delivered furniture after paying a deposit.
The restitution figure has increased by $4,000 since the Maryland Attorney General’s Office issued an August statement that Dinette Gallery and owner Patrick Burke violated two consumer protection acts, said an official with the attorney general’s office.
If additional customers who did not receive a refund nor delivered furniture come forward, the figure could increase again, since the owner is required to pay back restitution that equals the amount he accepted for deposits of undelivered furniture.
The amount of the restitution fine depends on how many customers come forward, officials said.
So far, officials are aware of approximately 240 people who it appears Burke accepted deposits from but did not provide furniture to.
Dinette Gallery has since closed its doors for business. Until the entirety of the restitution is paid, a cease and desist order issued by the Customer Protection Division bars Burke from selling any furniture.
Burke could not be reached for comment.
If he decides to resume business upon paying the restitution, Burke would remain barred from accepting payment before furniture is delivered, officials said.
In addition to the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, Burke and his company also violated the Merchandise Delivery Act by not providing customers with an estimated delivery date or informing them of their rights in case the delivery date was not met.
Purchasing furniture frequently generates complaints, according to the Office of the Maryland Attorney General’s website. To protect customers from fraud, the site advises paying the smallest deposit possible to minimize the risk of loss, understanding the store’s return policy and getting the estimated delivery date in writing.
Contact reporter Sarah Beth Clark at clarkdbk@gmail.com.
