A North Carolina court has granted a preliminary injunction to halt alleged price-gouging by a businessman and his companies accused of exploiting residents for tree removal services following Hurricane Helene. The injunction was issued Thursday at the request of state Attorney General and incoming governor Josh Stein, who filed a complaint in October against Lorenzo Huggins Sr. and his businesses.
Court Order Addresses Deceptive Practices
North Carolina Superior Court Judge A. Graham Shirley issued the injunction, citing a strong likelihood that the state will prevail in its case. The order bars Huggins and his companies from engaging in deceptive trade practices and price-gouging while the lawsuit proceeds.
“It appears to the court from the complaint, and the affidavits and other exhibits filed in substantiation thereof, that there is a strong likelihood the plaintiff will prevail in this action,” Judge Shirley wrote. “Given the state of emergency in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, swift action is needed to restrain the defendant’s conduct.”
