Attorney General William Sorrell announced today that he had settled a lawsuit with Charles Nestor of St Johnsbury, Vermont. Nestor, the organizer of a “Made in Vermont Festival” that was to be held in Burlington in 2011, collected over $24,000 from local businesses and craftspeople who paid to be exhibitors, vendors, and sponsors. The festival never took place and more than forty-five businesses lost their money.
Under the terms of the settlement, Mr. Nestor must post a $20,000 bond prior to organizing any trade shows or festivals and escrow the first $20,000 of any such event, for the next five years. Nestor has also agreed to refund businesses that lost their money, and to pay a $10,000 penalty, if he receives sufficient income or assets. He is required to submit his financial status to the Attorney General’s office annually for the next five years.
Source: Attorney General, May 20, 2014