Milwaukee County Resident James D. Gardetto Charged with Six Counts Relating to Engaging in Unfair Trade Practices

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that on January 9, 2012, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, acting as special prosecutor for Waukesha County, filed a criminal complaint in Waukesha County Circuit Court charging James D. Gardetto, a Milwaukee county resident, with: two counts of Felony Bail Jumping, one count of Mandatory Disclosure Prior To Sale, one count of Misrepresentation, one count of Obstructing An Officer: Giving False Information, and one count of Fraudulent Writings.

According to the criminal complaint, James Gardetto engaged in unfair trade practices between June 29, 2011, and August 24, 2011, by misrepresenting his business affiliations and locations to consumers of television repair services. Additionally, Gardetto provided a false business address to a police detective who was investigating his practices. Most of the charged conduct occurred after Gardetto was ordered by a Wisconsin State Circuit Court, in the context of a felony case, not to commit any new crimes as a condition of his release.

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: