Eldon business owner charged with deceptive practices, exploiting elderly

TUSCUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Miller County prosecutor has filed charges including deceptive business practices and financially exploiting the elderly against the owner of an Eldon business.

Prosecuting Attorney Ben Winfrey filed the charges against William F. Smith, owner of RestoMod Garage, last week in Miller County. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt's office is helping with the case, according to a news release.

Smith faces eight counts of deceptive business practices, three counts of financial exploitation of the elderly and two counts of felony stealing.

The attorney general's office said Smith is accused of taking money for services he didn't perform, failing to protect customers' vehicles from the elements and returning vehicles with parts removed.

The attorney general says Smith defrauded 11 people, including three elderly people and six veterans.

Smith has a Utah address listed in online court records. A person who answered the phone number listed on the RestoMods website said it was the wrong number.

It wasn't clear if Smith was in custody Thursday. A judge set his bond at $150,000.