Attorney General Files Law Suit Against Gym Owners
By: Danielle Todesco
Updated: August 25, 2008
Local fitness club owners are in trouble with the Attorney General tonight. They're accused of defrauding hundreds across Lubbock.
Shon and Desiree Perez started selling gym memberships late last year for Extreme Fitness. But as hundreds soon learned, the supposed gym never had any equipment, and never opened. Now the owners face a lawsuit by the Attorney General.
According to that law suit filed Monday morning, Shon Perez and his wife Desiree signed at least 800 people on. Each membership was $9.95 a month plus a $25 dollar sign up fee. Months later no equipment was ever purchased, and the gym never opened. Instead, the Perezes are said to have used the money to buy cars, motorcycles, even a country club membership.
Folks at the Better Business Bureau say they've recieved 173 complaints on the gym. One of the customers, Dr. Jason White says he's glad some action is being taken.
Nan Campbell, Better Business Bureau:
"It raised a huge red flag because 30 complaints in one day on one company, I mean that is almost too big for one of your huge big national companies."
Dr. Jason White, bought several gym memberships:
"I just want to see consequences laid down. I would like to see him have to give everybody a check back...absolutely."
The law suit says the Perezes will owe nearly $40 thousand dollars in customer refunds and $20 thousand dollars in penalties.
To file a complaint about Extreme Fitness, call the Attorney General's hotline at 1-800-252-8011 or go to www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.
