South Milwaukee Resident James D. Gardetto Charged With Eight Counts of Engaging in Unfair Trade Practices

WAUKESHA - Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that on June 7, 2011, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, acting as special prosecutor for Waukesha County, filed a summons and criminal complaint in Waukesha County Circuit Court accusing James D. Gardetto, a south Milwaukee resident, with eight counts of unfair trade violations contrary to Wis. Stat. § 100.26(3). Each count carries a maximum penalty of a fine not less than $25 and not to exceed $5,000 or imprisonment not to exceed twelve (12) months in county jail, or both.

According to the criminal complaint, Mr. Gardetto agreed to the entry of an order of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection in 2003. Among other things, the order requires that Mr. Gardetto refrain from engaging in specific unfair trade practices. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection discovered that Mr. Gardetto had been violating that order on multiple occasions.

The matter is tentatively scheduled for an initial appearance on June 29, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. in front of Commissioner Thomas J. Pieper of the Waukesha County Circuit Court.

A criminal complaint is a document that alleges that a crime was committed by a person or a corporation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Wisconsin Statute Chapter 950 Victim Services are being provided by the Office of the Waukesha County District Attorney. Assistant Attorney General Eric D. Défort represents the State of Wisconsin as the special prosecutor.

A copy of the criminal complaint is available at: