Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has finalized a consent order to settle a lawsuit against John and Michele Church, owners of several landscaping and snow removal companies in the Detroit area. The lawsuit, filed in December 2023, accused the Churches of repeatedly violating the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA) and breaching a prior Assurance of Voluntary Compliance.

The settlement provides financial relief to affected customers and requires the dissolution of the Churches' business entities. "It is my hope that this agreement not only provides relief to impacted customers but also serves as a warning to businesses that my Department will defend customers and their rights under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act," said Nessel. She emphasized the importance of consumer complaints in reaching this outcome.

The Churches operated multiple businesses formally registered with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, including Metro Mow ‘N Snow, LLC; The Snow Guys, Inc.; and John Church’s Snow Service, Inc., as well as several informal enterprises. These businesses offered residential services for over two decades.

Since 2010, more than 200 consumer complaints were filed against these companies for alleged unlawful practices. A formal investigation began in 2017 leading to an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance in 2018. This agreement required them to cease unfair practices, pay fines, compensate affected customers, and notify authorities before creating new entities offering similar services.

Despite this agreement, further allegations arose accusing the Churches of contract breaches and deceptive practices. Under the new consent order, they must pay $50,000 for enforcement efforts with part allocated to consumers. They are also barred from operating or working in related service industries within Michigan.

Consumers seeking reimbursement or suspecting illegal practices by other entities are encouraged to contact the Department's Consumer Protection Team.