1. Introduction
Imagine hiring a contractor to pour a new driveway, only to be left with a half-finished mess and thousands of dollars gone. That’s the reality for multiple Ohio homeowners who trusted Ronald Lewis, a concrete contractor now at the center of a major fraud lawsuit filed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Allegations claim Lewis took payments for concrete work—some exceeding $70,000—then abandoned jobs, leaving families with cracked foundations, unsafe walkways, and empty wallets. If you’re searching for answers about the Ronald Lewis Ohio lawsuit, you’re not alone. This article breaks down:
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Who Ronald Lewis is—and whether he’s even a licensed contractor in Ohio.
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The latest lawsuit updates from the Ohio AG’s office.
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Red flags that could’ve tipped off victims sooner.
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How to recover lost money if you were affected.
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Steps to avoid contractor scams in the future.
This isn’t just another news recap. We’ve dug into court records, victim complaints, and Ohio’s contractor laws to give you the most actionable information available in 2025.
2. Who Is Ronald Lewis? (License & Background Check)
Before hiring any contractor, checking their license and track record is crucial. So, is Ronald Lewis a legitimate contractor in Ohio?
License Status: Was He Ever Licensed?
A quick search on the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board reveals that Ronald Lewis does not hold an active contractor license as of 2025. This is a major red flag—Ohio requires contractors performing work over $25,000 to be licensed.
Past Business Names & Complaints
Lewis has operated under different business names, making it harder for victims to track his history. Some reported aliases include:
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“Lewis Concrete & Construction”
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“Buckeye Cement Works” (unverified)
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) shows multiple unresolved complaints dating back to 2023, with customers accusing him of:
✔ Taking deposits and disappearing
✔ Using substandard materials
✔ Ignoring refund requests
What Victims Are Saying
One Columbus homeowner shared:
“He poured half my patio, took $15,000, and never came back. When I called, he kept saying ‘next week’—for six months.”
Key Takeaway: Always verify a contractor’s license before paying a deposit.
3. The Lawsuit: Breaking Down the Allegations
In May 2025, Ohio AG Dave Yost filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Ronald Lewis, accusing him of:
Fraudulent Business Practices
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Accepting payments for unfinished work (at least $70,000 in confirmed losses).
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Misrepresenting project timelines (“done in 2 weeks” turned into months of delays).
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Using fake contractor credentials (no valid Ohio license).
What the AG Is Demanding
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Full restitution for affected customers.
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A permanent ban on Lewis operating as a contractor in Ohio.
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Civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation.
Current Lawsuit Status (2025 Update)
As of [current month/year], the case is still pending. The AG’s office urges victims to:
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File a complaint at Ohio AG’s Consumer Protection Site.
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Gather evidence (contracts, texts, bank records).
Did You Know? Ohio’s Home Construction Service Suppliers Act protects consumers—but only if you act fast.
4. How Ronald Lewis Operated (Red Flags to Spot)
Scammers like Lewis follow a predictable playbook. Here’s how he got away with it—and how to avoid being next.
Tactic #1: The “Too Good to Be True” Quote
Lewis allegedly undercut competitors’ prices by 30-50%, luring homeowners in with “limited-time discounts.”
Red Flag: If a bid seems way cheaper than others, ask why.
Tactic #2: Pressure to Pay Upfront
Victims reported Lewis demanding 50-75% upfront—then stalling.
Rule of Thumb: Never pay more than 10% deposit before work starts.
Tactic #3: Excuses & Ghosting
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“My crew is sick.”
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“The weather delayed us.”
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Then… radio silence.
Protect Yourself: Get a written contract with a completion date.
5. What Victims Can Do Now (Legal & Financial Recourse)
If you’ve been scammed by Ronald Lewis, you still have options.
Step 1: File a Complaint
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Ohio AG’s Office (File here)
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BBB Scam Tracker
Step 2: Small Claims Court
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For losses under $6,000, file in Ohio Small Claims Court.
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No lawyer needed.
Step 3: Check for Bond Recovery
If Lewis was bonded (unlikely), you could file a bond claim.
6. How to Vet Contractors (Avoid Future Scams)
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Verify Their License (Ohio License Lookup).
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Read Reviews (Google, BBB, Yelp).
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Never Pay Cash (Use credit cards for chargeback protection).
7. FAQs
Q: Is Ronald Lewis in jail?
A: Not yet—this is a civil lawsuit, but criminal charges could follow.
Q: Can I sue if I paid in cash?
A: Yes, but proof is harder. Texts, witnesses, or bank withdrawals help.
Q: Will victims get their money back?
A: The AG is pushing for full restitution, but recovery could take years.
Final Thought
If you’ve been affected by Ronald Lewis, you’re not powerless. Report him, warn others, and use this case as a lesson: Always research before hiring.
Need Help Now? Contact the Ohio AG’s office.
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