Wilmington, DE—On Monday, October 1, 2012, William Harrison, a Dover-area contractor with his own paving company, pleaded guilty to felony theft in connection with his business practices, Attorney General Beau Biden announced today. Harrison also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offensive touching charge that arose from a dispute with a customer.  Harrison, whose paving business operates under the name “Pro Paving,” was alleged in the indictment to have committed ten offenses in New Castle County.  The alleged victims were homeowners who hired Harrison to pave their driveways. He allegedly ignored homeowners’ directions as to the extent of paving, promised discounts he did not provide, and charged undisclosed large fees.

            Harrison, who did not have any prior convictions, was sentenced by Judge Peggy Ableman immediately when he entered his guilty plea. He received two years’ probation and was ordered to pay $34,663 to nine different customers. Harrison was also ordered to comply with the terms of a Cease and Desist Order that had been previously entered against him by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit. The Cease and Desist Order required Harrison to obtain written agreements from customers before he did any work, and also to cease deceptive practices with respect to pricing and scope of work. Harrison was further ordered not to have any contact with any of the alleged victims.

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