New York “Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood today announced an order directing Walker’s Manufactured Housing, Inc. (“Walker’s”) and its owner, Stanley Hall, to explain their failure to sit for testimony as required by the Attorney General’s subpoena,” said in a release to the Daily Business News.
“My office will aggressively investigate retailers of manufactured home and land deals who shirk their legal obligations to provide homes that are safe, durable, and suitable for occupancy,” Attorney General Underwood said. “Transparency and fair dealing is necessary in every transaction involving New York State consumers.”
Underwood is the acting AG in New York. She took over the role recently, after a scandal forced the resignation of her predecessor earlier this month. 4 different women alleged that prior AG Eric Schneiderman sexually assaulted and abused them, per the New York Times.
“Following multiple consumer complaints, the Attorney General’s office opened an investigation into the company’s business practices and issued a subpoena for Stanley Hall to appear for questioning,” the state tells MHProNews.
“Mr. Hall refused to answer questions, improperly asserting a blanket Fifth Amendment privilege, and terminated the hearing. The order issued by Supreme Court Judge James P. McClusky of Jefferson County compels Walker’s and Stanley Hall to explain why the Judge shouldn’t further order their compliance with the Attorney General’s investigation,“ per the NY AG’s office.
“My office will aggressively investigate retailers of manufactured home and land deals who shirk their legal obligations to provide homes that are safe, durable, and suitable for occupancy,” Attorney General Underwood said. “Transparency and fair dealing is necessary in every transaction involving New York State consumers.”
“Multiple consumers in Jefferson County filed complaints with the Attorney General’s office regarding the advertising, sales, and installation practices of Walker’s Manufactured Housing, Inc.,” stated the attorney general’s office.
The Attorney General issued a subpoena to Stanley Hall to appear for questioning. But Hall refused to answer any questions and terminated the hearing, per the AG’s release. The order announced gives Walker’s and Mr. Hall until late June to explain their failure to properly provide testimony to aid the Attorney General’s investigation.
“Mr. Hall said he has never received any complaints of incomplete buildings, delays, not following design specifications or other similar accusations in 52 years of business. When asked why he asserted his Fifth Amendment rights during the conference, Mr. Hall said he was following his attorney’s advice,” per the Watertown Daily News.
“There’s a lot of false information; a lot of false accusations” from the AG’s office, Mr. Hall told local media.
Mistake in Local Reporting?
Some mainstream media reports have apparently misunderstood the fact that Walker’s is a retailer, not a manufactured or modular home builder.
“Satisfaction Guaranteed,” states part of the Walker Manufactured Housing website, which makes it clear that the firm sells housing built by Champion Homes, and/or other producers of factory-built housing.
“We ensure complete satisfaction every step of the way. Whether you are a first time buyer or a returning customer, the process is always the same and we will take into consideration budget and availability for your Watertown sectional home. We guarantee our services and get you the best value for your money.”
MHProNews has reached out to Hall for a comment, and will update and monitor the case as it develops. “We Provide, You Decide.” © ## (News, analysis, and expert commentary.)
(Third party images, and cites are provided under fair use guidelines.)
1) To sign up in seconds for our MH Industry leading emailed news updates, click here.
2) To provide a News Tips and/or Commentary, click the link to the left. Please note if comments are on-or-off the record, thank you.
3) Marketing, Web, Video, Consulting, Recruiting and Training Resources
Soheyla is a managing member of LifeStyle Factory Homes, LLC, the parent company to MHProNews, and MHLivingNews.com.
