Wichita contractor agrees to pay restitution for incomplete work

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A Wichita contractor accused of not completing work on a kitchen remodel has agreed to pay restitution and a fine.

The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Division began investigating Mark Benoit, who operates “Wood Specialties by Mark,” after receiving a complaint from a client. The couple reported that Benoit failed to deliver and install kitchen cabinets as part of a remodeling project.

The district attorney’s office says that is a violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. Because the couple are over the age of 60, they are also classified under the act, which could have resulted in a large fine and penalty for Benoit totaling an additional $20,000.

Benoit accepted a consent judgment on the matter but denied he intentionally violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. He has agreed to pay $22,400 in restitution to his alleged victims and serve a probationary period of two years with the Consumer Protection Division.

The DA’s office says Benoit is liable for $10,000 in civil penalties, additional investigative expenses, and court costs. Benoit must also include a notice of the three-day right to cancel the transaction for any door-to-door sales in future contracts.

The consent judgment also includes an injunction that bars Benoit from engaging in deceptive or unconscionable acts in the future, and he must also cooperate in any investigation of future complaints.

KSN reached out to Benoit via a listed telephone number for him, but it came back as disconnected or no longer in service.

For more about the Consumer Protection Division, visit their website.