Sham storm shelter company ordered to dissolve

People who thought they were buying underground survival shelters from a New Jersey firm - and got nothing - will receive restitution, under terms of an agreement the company reached with the office of acting New Jersey Attorney General John J. Hoffman.

Titan Shelters, LLC, is required to dissolve as an entity, and until that's complete, is barred from conducting home improvement business and advertising for it.

Titan's owner, Alfred L. Demola, is under an injunction for at least three years to refrain from working and advertising as a home improvement contractor.

He is also forbidden for the same time frame from managing, operating or owning any businesses in New Jersey that require licensing by the state Division of Consumer Affairs, including home improvement, plumbing, electrical work locksmithing, and fire or burglar alarm installation.

The settlement requires the company to pay $177,373. Three customers will receive restitution totaling $71,800. Civil penalties amount to $83,000. Attorney fees and investigative costs total $22,573.

In its seven-count complaint, the state alleged that Titan, operating without state registration for home improvement, sold, but never delivered, underground shelters and related items, and fabricated the existence of a manufacturing plant in Cranbury. Investigators concluded that Titan had no production facilities anywhere in New Jersey.

Investigators said that Titan bought advertising time on television stations in Virginia and West Virginia, in addition to its web page, and that Demola traveled to those areas at least twice to sign purchase contracts with customers.

Consumers who experienced problems with Titan can file complaints through the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs web site, or by calling 1-800-242-5846 or 973-504-6200.