“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.