NORMAN – Attorney General Mike Hunter announced Monday that William Stephens, the owner of Tornado King, a storm shelter manufacturing and installation company, pleaded no contest to six counts of embezzlement and one count of a pattern of criminal offenses.
As part of the plea, Stephens will pay $101,403.23 in restitution to victims and serve a five-year deferred sentence.
Attorney General Hunter commended the work of the agents who investigated Stephens and the attorneys who brought restitution to victims.
“Oklahomans trying to protect their loved ones were left vulnerable by Stephens’ greed,” Attorney General Hunter said.
“I am proud of the dedication by the agents and attorneys in the Consumer Protection Unit, who worked tirelessly to ensure victims in this case were made whole and that Stephens was held liable," Attorney General Hunter said.
An investigation by the Attorney General’s Office began after receiving multiple complaints by Tornado King customers, claiming Stephens was paid full or partial payments for storm shelters that were never installed.
According to investigators, when work wasn’t completed, and victims tried to contact the company, Stephens would give excuses and eventually became unresponsive.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
