State To Provide Restitution To Customers Defrauded By NJ Prom Shop

WAYNE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Consumer affairs officials have obtained a final default judgment against a northern New Jersey dress shop that closed in the middle of prom season.

The Division of Consumer Affairs will provide $2,900 in restitution to 11 consumers who were left without refunds, dresses or formal wear when The Red Carpet Pageant and Prom in Wayne closed. The proceeds are from a court-ordered auction of the store's inventory.

The state said at least 16 customers paid in full or part for dresses that were not delivered. The transactions total $5,400. State officials were able to return dresses to seven customers.

Manager Patricia Dowling of Deptford and her husband, Michael, have been ordered to pay more than $150,000 in penalties and fees. Patricia Dowling is barred from doing business in New Jersey.

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