CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eyewitness News reporter Kristin Leigh learned the state is investigating more than a dozen complaints about a business that was located near South Tryon Street and Clanton Road.
Feather Bates sells her paintings to pay the bills, and she displayed her work at Reinvented Charlotte for nearly a year.
“I always got paid on time,” Bates said. “Never had a problem until June.”
The owner could not be reached.
Akilah Boker said she had a problem with the same business
“Almost like a disappearing act where you can't get in touch with him,” Boker said.
Boker said she paid store owner Michael Lankford $600 to refurbish furniture, including a dresser he flipped for her a few years ago.
She said the pieces she took him this year haven't been returned.
The store's website is still online, but frustrated customers and artists said Lankford closed his shop over the summer.
He hasn't returned their items or paid them.
The state's consumer protection agency officials said they received a dozen complaints about the business in July.
In each case, they sent Lankford a letter and gave him 15 days to respond.
The state never got a response.
Bates said she's missing two paintings and Lankford owes her nearly $600 for two other pieces he sold.
“My husband is out of work, so I support the family with my art,” Bates said.
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