When disaster strikes, communities band together to survive the storm – but occasionally, a few unscrupulous players try to cash in. Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee is making it clear that in Houston, such actions won’t go unpunished. In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, Menefee has secured a $50,000 settlement from BTCM Aviation LLC, the operator of a Houston-area Shell gas station accused of price gouging. This marks the second major legal victory against price gouging in the wake of the July hurricane.

Cracking Down on Crisis Profiteering

As Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc in the region, residents were scrambling for essentials like gas, water, and shelter. Amid the chaos, BTCM Aviation LLC decided to cash in, hiking their fuel prices by more than 19% at their gas station located on W. Loop South in Bellaire. While most businesses complied with the county’s cease-and-desist notices, BTCM dug in its heels, prompting swift legal action from Menefee’s office.

“This isn’t just about penalties; it’s about protecting our community,” Menefee said. “These lawsuits filed after Hurricane Beryl show that we will not sit by while businesses try to take advantage of residents during a crisis.” This recent lawsuit, combined with an earlier case, has resulted in a total of $100,000 in penalties. For Menefee, this is far more than a financial victory – it’s a clear message that predatory pricing has no place in Harris County.

A Pattern of Protection

Price gouging isn’t a new problem, but Menefee’s office is setting a powerful precedent by holding businesses accountable. The Harris County Attorney’s Office received over 250 complaints of price gouging following Hurricane Beryl, underscoring the urgency of Menefee’s mission. By taking decisive action, he aims to send a strong message: price gouging during emergencies will be met with severe consequences.

The $50,000 settlement against BTCM follows a similar lawsuit earlier in the year, which also resulted in a significant financial penalty. With two lawsuits already under his belt, Menefee is building a reputation as Houston’s consumer champion, ensuring that residents aren’t taken advantage of when they’re most vulnerable.

A Victory for Harris County Residents

In Houston, we’re no strangers to storms, but that doesn’t mean we should tolerate being exploited during them. Menefee’s latest legal victory is a win for the people of Harris County, setting a powerful example for other businesses tempted to engage in price gouging. “I hope this serves as a warning for the future,” Menefee said. “This kind of behavior will not be tolerated here in Harris County.”

The proactive stance taken by the Harris County Attorney’s Office serves as a safeguard for residents. In a city as resilient as Houston, businesses are expected to support the community, not exploit it.

How to Report Price Gouging in Harris County

Hurricane season is far from over, and residents need to stay vigilant. If you suspect price gouging or consumer fraud, you can report it directly to the Harris County Attorney’s Office. By taking a stand and reporting suspicious behavior, Houstonians can help stop profiteers in their tracks.

For more information on reporting consumer fraud or price gouging, visit the Harris County Attorney’s Office website at cao.harriscountytx.gov.

Houston Style’s Take: Holding Business Accountable

Here at Houston Style Magazine, we applaud Christian Menefee’s efforts to protect Houston’s residents from unethical business practices. It’s a reminder that while storms may bring out the best in our community, they can also reveal a darker side of opportunism. Thanks to Menefee and his team, Houston can weather the storms knowing that someone has their back.

In these times, standing up for the vulnerable isn’t just about the law – it’s about preserving the spirit of community that makes Houston strong. So let this be a warning to those looking to take advantage: in Harris County, profiteering has consequences. 

For more info. visit https://cao.harriscountytx.gov