AG Madigan: Homeowners paid thousands to Pekin drilling firm for unfinished work

Posted on August 29, 2018

By Howard Packowitz

SPRINGFIELD – A Pekin drilling firm is accused by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan of charging Peoria County residents for thousands of dollars for water wells that were never finished.

Madigan filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Robert Williams and his company, Sauder Well Drilling, located on Providence Road in Pekin.

A news release from Madigan said her office has received complaints from residents who signed contracts and paid deposits of more than $4,000 to more than $15,000 for drilling services and pump construction.

Sauder’s workers allegedly performed initial surveys of the properties, but never came back to do the work.

Madigan’s office said Williams has not responded, nor did he attend a hearing on a subpoena for records and other information.

Madigan’s lawsuit seeks restitution for homeowners. It also asks the court to void existing contracts, prohibit the company from doing business in Illinois until it responds to the subpoena, and impose civil penalties.

Madigan’s office is asking the court to impose civil penalties, order the company to pay restitution to homeowners, void existing contracts, and bar the firm from doing business in the state until it responds to the subpoena.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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