A local businessman has an active arrest warrant in Richmond County against him for theft by deception after closing his business suddenly.
After months of apparently not paying rent, Ernest Johnson, who owns Dunagan’s Sewing and Vacuum Center, 3007 Deans Bridge Road, was facing eviction from the premises, and the keys to the premises were voluntarily given back to the owner of the building.
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When the eviction process began, customers contend Johnson did not inform them to come pick up their sewing machines or vacuums in for repair, and many are complaining that their property is now locked up in the building.
William Middleton says that he paid $57 up front a month ago to have his vacuum serviced and has called the owner several times to no avail.
“I just don’t know why they’re doing this to me; I have been doing business with them for years. I guess I’m out the money, but I want my vacuum cleaner back,” Middleton said.
Police records show that Johnson already has an outstanding warrant for theft against him in Burke County, and now two complaints have been filed in Richmond County on similar charges.
According to a complaint filed by Sean and Vanessa Rewis on Nov. 29, 2021, the couple had ordered and paid for a used carpet extractor for $200 and a new carpet extractor for $400 plus labor and paid $943 up front.
According to the Rewis’ complaint, Johnson never ordered the merchandise and promised a refund but never made good on the offer.
Johnson said his company has not been evicted and that the problem is he cannot find anyone to staff the building.
“I still have the keys to the building and can get in anytime,” Johnson said.
However, an email sent to the owner’s attorney by Johnson shows he had not been paying his rent.
“I am not able to pay amount all at once as I have no resources to do so. But I can make monthly payments. Please advise me if this is possible. Thanks Ernest,” the email said.
However, according to Joe Edge, president of Sherman and Hemstreet Real Estate Co., the locks have been changed, and his company was contracted by the owner to find a new tenant for the space.
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Representatives from Sherman and Hemstreet report they are receiving more calls from clients of the shop claiming they prepaid for expensive parts and may seek criminal charges against Johnson.
According to Edge, who is also the publisher of The Augusta Press, hundreds of vacuum cleaners and sewing machines remain stored in the building. Customers seeking to reclaim their equipment can call Sherman and Hemstreet at (706) 722-8334.
“We have been tasked with finding a new tenant, and there are hundreds of sewing machines and vacuum cleaners still there, so people need to call and claim their property, or we will have to dispose of it,” Edge said.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
