spectr17
10-27-2004, 12:53 PM
Oct. 27, 2004
Return it or stuff it, bankrupt taxidermist told
Sugar Notch firm must finish work at discount or give back skins and deposits, deal with state mandates.
By BRIAN MALINA, Times Leader
bmalina@leader.net
SUGAR NOTCH PA - A bankrupt taxidermy business owned by a borough councilman must return animal carcasses and cash to 35 customers under an agreement announced Tuesday by the state attorney general.
Evergreen Taxidermy, owned by Sugar Notch Council President George Gushanas, filed for bankruptcy in February, according to a press release from Attorney General Jerry Pappert.
Pappert said 35 customers filed complaints with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in 2003 and 2004 saying they brought wild game to Evergreen to be mounted or preserved but the company failed to complete the work or return deposits.
Carcasses dropped off include deer, bear, squirrel, fish, turkey, geese and duck.
Barbara Petito, the attorney general's deputy press secretary, said she has been told the skins have been preserved so they have not deteriorated.
Under the agreement, Gushanas admits no wrongdoing but agreed to the following:
Return property within 30 days to customers who filed complaints with the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Pay $1,500 in partial refunds and $250 in investigation costs, pending U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval.
Stop conducting business as a taxidermist for one year or until complaints are resolved.
If the customers still want Evergreen to complete the work, it must do so by Jan. 1, 2005, at a 10 percent discount.
Customers who filed complaints can pick up their property between 2 and 7 p.m. Friday at the former business on 2 Evergreen Road, Sugar Notch. Attorney general's office representatives will be on hand to supervise the situation.
The case was handled by Senior Deputy Attorney General Jim Sysko.
Gushanas could not be reached Tuesday for comment.
Return it or stuff it, bankrupt taxidermist told
Sugar Notch firm must finish work at discount or give back skins and deposits, deal with state mandates.
By BRIAN MALINA, Times Leader
bmalina@leader.net
SUGAR NOTCH PA - A bankrupt taxidermy business owned by a borough councilman must return animal carcasses and cash to 35 customers under an agreement announced Tuesday by the state attorney general.
Evergreen Taxidermy, owned by Sugar Notch Council President George Gushanas, filed for bankruptcy in February, according to a press release from Attorney General Jerry Pappert.
Pappert said 35 customers filed complaints with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in 2003 and 2004 saying they brought wild game to Evergreen to be mounted or preserved but the company failed to complete the work or return deposits.
Carcasses dropped off include deer, bear, squirrel, fish, turkey, geese and duck.
Barbara Petito, the attorney general's deputy press secretary, said she has been told the skins have been preserved so they have not deteriorated.
Under the agreement, Gushanas admits no wrongdoing but agreed to the following:
Return property within 30 days to customers who filed complaints with the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Pay $1,500 in partial refunds and $250 in investigation costs, pending U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval.
Stop conducting business as a taxidermist for one year or until complaints are resolved.
If the customers still want Evergreen to complete the work, it must do so by Jan. 1, 2005, at a 10 percent discount.
Customers who filed complaints can pick up their property between 2 and 7 p.m. Friday at the former business on 2 Evergreen Road, Sugar Notch. Attorney general's office representatives will be on hand to supervise the situation.
The case was handled by Senior Deputy Attorney General Jim Sysko.
Gushanas could not be reached Tuesday for comment.