DeWine sues ex-mayor Krinos, alleging fraud
Staff report
youngstown
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has sued former Campbell Mayor George N. Krinos, accusing him of defrauding customers through a home- improvement business.
The state filed the consumer-protection action Monday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
The lawsuit alleges Krinos used the false name “George Nicholis” while running an improperly registered Youngstown business called Windows, Doors, Kitchens and More Construction Co.
The state argues that Krinos “committed unfair and deceptive acts and practices” because he accepted money from customers for shoddy or uncompleted work.
The lawsuit seeks more than $25,000 in civil damages from Krinos and an injunction against Krinos to stop future violations.
Judge John M. Durkin is set to hear the case.
Krinos served as Campbell’s mayor from 2009 until his resignation in 2011. The consumer-protection action is the latest in a string of controversies to dog the former politician. Krinos pleaded guilty in January to federal tax violations and to defrauding investors out of $1.2 million. Sentencing is pending.
Atty. Jeffrey Lazarus, who represented Krinos in the federal case, declined to comment Monday on the consumer-protection action.