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Minn. AG sues wind power developer, alleging fraud

Published: January 25, 2013 Comment on this article

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A lawsuit by Minnesota's attorney general alleges farmers were duped by a South Dakota-chartered wind energy developer who didn't deliver on promises of equipment and financing.

The consumer protection case filed Friday in Hennepin County District Court contends Shawn Dooling and his company, Renewable Energy SD, misled the farmers. Some paid the company more than $500,000 for equipment that turned out to be defective and access to federal stimulus grants that didn't materialize.

In a statement, the company says it is reviewing the allegations and will address any concerns customers may have.

The lawsuit says Dooling personally enriched himself at farmers' expense, amassing a $1 million collection of exotic cars.

Attorney General Lori Swanson's office says it knows of at least 15 Minnesotans affected. She seeks restitution and civil penalties.