News Summary
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General has initiated legal action against Black Cherry Design, LLP and owner Lauren Piasecki, citing allegations of fraudulent home renovation practices. Clients reported significant financial losses due to prepaid renovation contracts that were either unfulfilled or resulted in unreceived items. The lawsuit aims to secure restitution for affected consumers and to halt prepayment practices. Attorney General Dave Sunday emphasizes the need for accountability in the home improvement sector as investigations into Piasecki’s alleged mismanagement continue.
Pennsylvania – The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Black Cherry Design, LLP and its owner, Lauren Piasecki, over allegations of fraudulent home renovation practices. The lawsuit, filed on May 9, 2025, claims the company took large sums of money from clients for home renovation projects that were never realized. Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the lawsuit, highlighting numerous consumer complaints regarding Black Cherry Design’s failure to complete agreed-upon renovations and deliver purchased items.
Victims have reported that they contracted Black Cherry Design for various home renovation jobs, including bathroom remodels and living room updates. Clients claimed that upon designating Black Cherry Design as their purchasing agent, they were instructed to prepay their entire invoices prior to any purchases being made. Unfortunately, many of the items they paid for were never delivered, and reports indicate that some items were allegedly never ordered.
The lawsuit also seeks restitution for the affected consumers and aims to prohibit Black Cherry Design from accepting prepayments in the future. Attorney General Sunday noted that “consumers paid this company large, upfront sums for home design jobs that were never completed.” This action follows past charges against Piasecki by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, where she was accused in March 2025 of stealing approximately $400,000 from her clients.
Lauren Piasecki, aged 44, is at the center of the allegations, which claim she used funds provided by customers for personal expenses, including stays in hotels and purchases from Amazon. Records revealed that the alleged total loss incurred by victims amounts to around $488,774.88. Among the victims is client Brandon Mahler, who reported that after entering into a contract for a first-floor renovation, he found himself missing nearly $16,000 in furniture that was supposed to have been ordered.
Victims like Mahler and his wife indicated that they faced delayed communication from Piasecki after the labor aspect of their renovation was completed. After expressing their concerns, the couple attempted to terminate their contract and sought reimbursement not only for missing items but also for broken or damaged goods they received instead. Following threats of legal action against Piasecki, they received three checks, two of which subsequently bounced.
As scrutiny around Black Cherry Design and Piasecki’s operations continues, consumers affected by her alleged fraudulent activities are urged to file complaints through online platforms or contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection directly at 1-800-441-2555. This ongoing investigation has also involved local law enforcement agencies, including the Pittsburgh and Mount Lebanon Police Departments, in an effort to hold Piasecki accountable for her actions.
The fallout of this case has spotlighted the risks associated with home renovation services, prompting valuable discussions on consumer rights and protections. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office remains vigilant in addressing fraud in the home improvement sector, pledging further active measures against companies that exploit consumers for financial gain.
As the legal proceedings unfold, they underscore the importance of transparency and accountability within the home contracting industry, particularly for consumers who trust contractors with their money. As reported, many individuals have already suffered significant financial losses, leaving them hoping for justice through legal recourse.
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