’19 Kids and Counting’ star accused of fraud, posing as licensed contractor

Sep 16, 2024 at 3:38 AM
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Duggar Family Member Accused of Fraud and Negligence in Arkansas Home Repair Lawsuit

In a surprising turn of events, a former reality TV star from the Duggar family has found himself at the center of a legal battle in Arkansas. Jason Duggar, known for his appearances on the TLC shows "19 Kids and Counting" and "Counting On," is accused of pretending to have a contractor's license and failing to complete repairs on an Arkansas man's home, according to a new lawsuit filed in Benton County.

Uncovering the Alleged Deception and Unfinished Work

Entering into a Faulty Contract

The plaintiff, Mark Thompson, claims he entered into a contract to purchase a home in Bella Vista from Madison Holding LLC, with Duggar serving as the contractor. According to the complaint, Duggar allegedly represented himself as a licensed contractor, but the Arkansas Contractor's Licensing Board reportedly had no record of him holding such a license.

The contract stipulated that 22 items were to be repaired within 30 days, but after 11 months, the majority of the repairs remained incomplete. The lawsuit alleges that Duggar failed to complete work in the master bedroom and bathroom, as well as the installation of sod. Additionally, the complaint lists various other issues, including the need to repair crown molding upstairs and fix roofing problems.

Acknowledging the Issues, but Shifting Responsibility

The lawsuit claims that Duggar acknowledged the roofing issues in April or May and promised to address them. However, in late May, Duggar allegedly told Thompson that he should pay someone else to make the repairs instead of Duggar continuing to do so.

The complaint includes alleged text messages between Duggar and Thompson, where Duggar is accused of proposing a solution to the unfinished work. According to the lawsuit, Duggar wrote, "Mark, I have a question for you. Instead of us coming back several times and you getting upset with me and me getting upset with you, what if I cut you a final check for however much you think it's gonna cost to get these things? You sign a contract saying we are no longer responsible for any additional fixes on the home inspection repair list."

Seeking Legal Recourse

The lawsuit accuses Duggar and Madison Holding of fraud, negligence, and breach of contract and breach of warranties. Thompson is seeking monetary damages, which include the cost to make the necessary repairs, along with his attorney's costs and fees. The specific amount will be determined at trial.

As of now, Duggar and Madison Holdings have not yet responded to the lawsuit, according to court records. The case is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have significant implications for the parties involved.

Potential Consequences and Implications

The allegations against Duggar and Madison Holding raise serious concerns about the integrity of the home repair work and the potential for deceptive practices. If the claims are proven true, it could not only result in financial consequences for the defendants but also damage the reputation of the Duggar family, who have been the subject of intense public scrutiny in the past.

This case serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly vetting contractors and ensuring that they possess the necessary licenses and qualifications before entering into any agreements. It also highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the home repair industry to protect consumers from potential fraud and negligence.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be closely watching to see how the courts address the allegations and whether justice is served. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications, not only for the parties involved but also for the broader home repair industry and the trust placed in public figures who claim to be experts in their field.