A consent judgment was reached between the DA's office and a local contractor after a disagreement over a plugged drain.

For Immediate Release, January 23, 2024

WICHITA, KAN. – The owner of a Wichita drain cleaning company has entered into a consent judgment with the Office of the District Attorney. The District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division investigated William Wesley Bridge, III after receiving a consumer complaint.

The District Attorney’s Office alleged Bridge violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (”KCPA”) by not being properly licensed at the time he entered into a contract to clean out a drain for a consumer and failed to disclose that information to the consumer.

While Bridge denied intentionally violating the KCPA, he accepted a consent judgment to settle the matter. Prior to settlement, Bridge agreed to refund the consumer $2,218.00 and provided proof he is now properly licensed with the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD). As part of the Consent Judgment, Bridge agreed to a 12 month probationary period with the Consumer Protection Division.

During that time, he will be liable for $10,000.00 in civil penalties, along with additional investigative expenses, and court costs. As part of the settlement, Bridge promised to audit the work he performed in 2023 to notify all impacted consumers if the work required a permit.  Bridge also promised to inform MABCD to verify the work performed passed inspection. In the future, Bridge agreed to not to perform or contract for work he and his business do not have the requisite license or skill to perform. Future services will also include obtaining necessary permits and inspections. The consent judgment includes an injunction from engaging in deceptive or unconscionable acts in the future and defendant agreed to cooperate with the investigation of any future complaints.

The District Attorney reminds residents that contractors for many residential projects are required to be qualified and licensed, in their own name, by MABCD. Work, including electrical and plumbing, may also require permits. Inspections are necessary to make sure work performed is safe and meets all applicable building codes. Some trades have additional duties, for example, roofers are required to register with the Attorney General’s Office.

The consent judgment was approved on January 17, 2024, by Judge James Fleetwood. The case was investigated by Dwight Wilkes with the Office of the District Attorney.

District Attorney Marc Bennett
18th Judicial District of Kansas
CONTACT: DAN DILLON, MEDIA COORDINATOR 316-660-3707