Stenehjem issues cease and desist order against salesman

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued a cease and desist order Tuesday against Michael Jelle of Maddock, N.D., doing business as “The Dryer Guy,” for violations of North Dakota’s consumer fraud law.

Stenehjem’s Consumer Protection Division is investigating The Dryer Guy and Jelle for sales of grain dryers and parts. Consumer complaints and other information indicate that The Dryer Guy solicited and accepted more than $190,000 in consumer deposits but has failed to deliver the products.

The Benson County state’s attorney also has initiated criminal charges against Jelle for his business conduct.

“Mr. Jelle’s pattern of fraud and deception is unacceptable, and I am immediately banning him from conducting any further business activity, pending the completion of my investigation and any legal action, as well as the outstanding criminal charges,” Stenehjem said.

According to Parrell Grossman, director of the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division, the investigation will help determine the extent of Jelle’s fraudulent conduct.

“It appears likely that we will be initiating a legal action against Jelle for a permanent injunction against selling, as well as civil penalties and restitution,” Grossman said.

Consumers who wish to make a complaint against Michael Jelle or The Dryer Guy can download the complaint form on the attorney general’s website at www.ag.nd.gov or call the Consumer Protection Division at 701-328-3404 to request a complaint form.

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