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."

The court's decision means that Huggins and his companies, including Huggins & Sons Yard Service, H&W Land Service, and Lorenzo Huggins Landscaping, must cease their alleged unfair practices immediately.

Allegations of Overcharging and Unqualified Services

The attorney general's complaint accuses Huggins of engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices, charging excessive fees for tree removal services that his companies were not equipped to handle. According to the complaint, Huggins took advantage of the post-hurricane chaos to overcharge residents for services his businesses were unqualified to provide.

One incident described in the lawsuit involved Huggins charging a couple $25,500 to remove fallen trees from their home. Despite the high fee, Huggins allegedly sent only three workers equipped with three chainsaws and a leaf blower. The job was reportedly botched, with large limbs dropped through the roof, further damaging the property.

The complaint contends that Huggins exploited the state of emergency declared in the wake of Hurricane Helene to justify "unreasonably excessive" prices, even though his businesses lacked the necessary resources and expertise.

NC Helene Price-Gouging : Attorney General Stein's Response

Josh Stein, who will soon be taking office as North Carolina's governor, praised the court’s decision to grant the injunction.

"Taking advantage of western North Carolinians in the aftermath of tragedy is wrong," Stein said in a statement to Law360 on Friday. "That's why I took action to put a stop to this company, which I allege engaged in deception. I am pleased the court ordered the company to stop its practices while this lawsuit continues."

NC Helene Price-Gouging : Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings

As of Thursday, Huggins and his companies have not yet responded to the allegations in court. The preliminary injunction will remain in place as the lawsuit moves forward. Stein's office is represented by A. Mercedes Restucha and Tanisha D. Folks of the North Carolina Department of Justice.

Counsel information for Huggins and his businesses was not immediately available, and Huggins did not respond to a request for comment.

The case underscores the state's commitment to combating price-gouging, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters, and reflects a broader effort to protect consumers from fraudulent practices during times of crisis.