Paving contractor business closed after state investigation

A paving contractor operating in Jefferson and Shawnee counties was shut down this week following an investigation by the Kansas attorney general’s office.

Road Maintenance Paving & Sealing was operating without licenses, according to a news release Thursday from Attorney General Paul Morrison’s office.

Three consumers – one in Oskaloosa, plus a Shawnee County business and a resident – each hired the company. A tip by a concerned city employee Tuesday led the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department to the project in Oskaloosa. They later alerted the attorney general.

Paperwork seized from the site led investigators to the Shawnee County projects, said Ashley Anstaett, spokeswoman for Morrison.

The Shawnee County resident had paid $5,000 for work performed by the Road Maintenance Paving & Sealing. As part of the settlement, the company was ordered to refund the money and pay the attorney general’s office $10,000 in civil penalties and fees.

The company also is required to cease doing business in Kansas for three years and agree not to collect any payment for the Oskaloosa project.

The Shawnee County business that hired Road Maintenance Paving & Sealing also had paid for the company’s services. Morrison’s office could not comment on the name of the business or whether its money will be refunded.