Milwaukee County Man James D. Gardetto Bound Over for Trial on Charges Related to Unfair Trade Practices

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that on January 23, 2012, Waukesha County Circuit Court Commissioner Laura Lau, after hearing testimony from a number of witnesses presented by the State, found probable cause that James D. Gardetto committed felony crimes for engaging in unfair trade practices. The court then bound over Mr. Gardetto for trial.

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

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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 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.

A copy of the criminal complaint is available at: