Action 9: State revokes man's license to install burglar alarms

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By Jason Stoogenke

A Gaston County man isn't allowed to install burglar alarms in other people's homes or businesses anymore.

The state revoked Stanley Huffstetler IV's alarm license and the license of his company, Carolina Control Services.

The state believes Huffstetler took money "for services not performed within a reasonable time period" and said he "engaged in conduct that constitutes dereliction of duty or otherwise deceives, defrauds or harms the public."

Two business owners reached out to Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke in January.

Steve Wetmore, who owns Boulevard Select Motors, worries about thieves.

"When you have $800,000 worth of inventory on the lot and somebody breaks in and, if they were to steal the keys and steal the inventory, what are you to do?" he asked.

Wetmore hired Huffstetler to install an alarm system and monitor it.

Wetmore said his own staff set it off twice, first by accident and then on purpose to test it.

No one responded either time.

"We set it off that day and let it go for five minutes and no call, no nothing,” Wetmore said.

Wetmore filed a formal complaint with the state.

"You didn't sleep well at night knowing that anybody could break in in the middle of the night," Wetmore said. "You think you're being monitored, and nobody's looking out."

Action 9 found Huffstetler has been in this situation before.

In 2007, the state ordered Huffstetler to cease and desist his burglar alarm business because he wasn't licensed at the time.

He didn't cease and desist, so in 2011, the state warned him again and even threatened to pursue criminal charges.

Huffstetler has 60 days to appeal the revocation.

Action 9 reached out to Huffstetler Tuesday morning and tried to leave a message, but his mailbox was full.

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