AG Yost Sues Gravestone Business for Consumer Refunds of $50K

(DAYTON, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is seeking refunds of $50,000 from a Dayton gravestone business accused of ripping off customers.

The consumer protection lawsuit alleges that American Memorial Monuments and former owner Darren Boykin accepted payments for gravestones but never fulfilled the orders.

“Grieving families paid this business thousands of dollars to memorialize their loved ones but all they got in return was more grief,” Yost said gravely. “We’re going to bury this fellow’s alleged business.”

The lawsuit stems from 22 complaints submitted to Yost’s Consumer Protection Section since October 2017. The complaints blame the business for financial losses totaling $50,000.

Many of the customers accuse the business of failing to deliver their gravestones. In some cases, customers received their orders but said the gravestones differed from their chosen designs. Others said their gravestones were not permitted at their selected cemeteries, despite the business assuring them otherwise.

The lawsuit filed in the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court argues that Boykin violated Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act by misleading customers and failing to provide refunds. 

The filing requests an order requiring the defendants to reimburse affected customers and pay civil penalties. It also seeks an injunction prohibiting Boykin from running a business in Ohio for five years.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.