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.
