TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that his office has sued three Palm Beach County furniture companies and their owners, alleging the companies were engaging in deceptive business practices against South Florida consumers. The companies named in the lawsuit are Premier Furniture, V & M Furniture Holdings, Inc., and Furniture Max. The lawsuit was filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court last week. Defendants Jason B. Ventura, Moises Ventura, Michael Marcellino, and Neil Marcellino are also named in the lawsuit.

An investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division determined the companies and the defendants were allegedly making sales for new home furnishings, but never delivered the furniture, delivered the wrong furniture, or delivered used furniture. Investigators believe Jason Ventura, Moises Ventura, and Michael Marcellino were personally involved in many of these furniture sales.

This behavior is believed to have occurred over the past four years while the defendants accepted large deposits or full payments for new furnishings. After payments were made in full, customers would allegedly be repeatedly reassured that their furniture would be delivered soon at no additional charge, although some consumers have reported they have been waiting more than two years for their furniture. When delivery did not occur or the wrong furniture was delivered, the companies refused to issue refunds. To date, more than 40 consumers have demanded refunds and more complaints from consumers continue to be reported to the Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s office has identified 42 victims thus far who have been defrauded out of a collective $104,000.

The Attorney General’s Office is seeking temporary and permanent injunctions against the defendants from engaging in any activity within the State of Florida that involves the sale or delivery of any furniture. The office is also seeking full restitution for all the affected consumers as well as the cost of the investigation and litigation. The companies have stores located in the Palm Beach Mall, the Boynton Mall and other Palm Beach County locations. Consumers who believe they have been victimized by these practices may contact the Attorney General’s Office at 1-866-966-7226 or may file a complaint online at: http://myfloridalegal.com.