Max Pies Operators Must Repay Consumers $150,000

September 11, 2009

Offender also placed on house arrest and probation

After pleading guilty to five counts of fraud, a Toronto court has ordered contractor Leonardo Dos Reis to pay $100,000 in restitution to six consumers. Victims will receive monthly payments of $1,250 over five years, with the remaining $25,000 as a separate restitution order.

Dos Reis will also be under house arrest for two years, followed by three years’ probation. During these periods, the court further ordered that he not work in the renovations, home inspections or architectural fields and have no contact with the victims.

In May 2006, the Ministry of Consumer Services charged three individuals after investigating the business and marketing practices of Max Pies Franchising and Max Pies Home Improvements, operating as Home Reno People. Customers paid deposits of $1,000 to more than $80,000 but received little or no renovation services. Others were overcharged for work completed.

Jaswinder Bhooi and Thomas Simpson, associates of Dos Reis, were also charged with various fraud provisions under the Criminal Code. On June 7, 2007, Bhooi pled guilty to 7 counts of fraud over $5,000 and received an 18-month conditional sentence, followed by 18 months’ probation. While on probation, Bhooi is required to make restitution of $50,000. A bench warrant remains outstanding for Simpson.

The Toronto Strategic Partnership, a multi-law enforcement agency, assisted with arresting the offenders.

Quick Facts

• The Consumer Protection Act imposes fines of up to $250,000 for corporations and $50,000 for individuals convicted of infractions. It also provides for jail terms of two years less a day on each offence. The act also empowers the court to order offenders to pay compensation or make restitution to victims.
• Formed in response to ever increasing cross-border mass fraudulent marketing schemes, members of the Toronto Strategic Partnership include the Competition Bureau of Canada, Ministry of Consumer Services, Toronto Police Frauds Telemarketing Unit, O.P.P. Anti-Rackets, Phonebusters, York Regional Police, RCMP -GTA Commercial Crime Section, U.S. Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Postal Service, and the U.K. Office of Fair Trading.

Learn More

• Know your consumer rights. Call the Consumer Protection Branch (416) 326-8800 in the GTA, toll-free at 1-800-889-9768.
• E-mail consumer@ontario.ca to get help.