Ohio Attorney General files $10M lawsuit against Willard & Kelsey for state loans firm defaulted on

9/6/2013

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine filed two lawsuits today seeking more than $10 million from Willard & Kelsey Solar Group and its shareholders for two state loans the firm defaulted on late last year.

The suits, filed in Hamilton County Commercial Court, include two counts each of fraudulent and unlawful transfers of funds, breach of contract, and one count of civil conspiracy. Those allegations are among many issues listed in the suits, which were filed on behalf of the Ohio Development Services Agency and the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority.

Both state agencies lent Willard & Kelsey funds to purchase equipment to produce solar panels at its Perrysburg facility.

Richard Kerger, an attorney who represents Jim Appold, the president of the firm, and spoke on behalf of Willard & Kelsey, said he would call The Blade later this afternoon.

The Blade has reported on Willard & Kelsey's use of state funds and allegations made by former CEO, William Mitchell, that the firm improperly used loan monies to compensate executives.