A Maryland couple behind a Crofton-based doula service has been ordered to pay more than $665,000 in penalties and restitution after failing to deliver promised services to expectant and new parents. Heather and Ryan Delaney, operators of Maryland State Doulas, LLC, violated the Consumer Protection Act by accepting payments without providing services or issuing refunds, according to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.
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The Consumer Protection Division’s Final Order prohibits the Delaneys from collecting payments prior to providing services unless they secure a $250,000 surety bond. The order includes a $606,500 penalty and demands the Delaneys repay all funds collected for undelivered services. Investigations revealed that the couple used the collected money for personal expenses, including vacations, shopping, and entertainment, rather than fulfilling their business obligations to clients.
The company marketed a wide array of doula services such as pregnancy support, labor assistance, postpartum aid, overnight care, sibling care, lactation support, and placenta encapsulation. Despite receiving substantial advance payments, the Delaneys often failed to provide the promised services. In addition, unauthorized charges were placed on clients’ credit cards, and refund requests were met with fake receipts and extended delays.
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Further investigations uncovered that Ms. Delaney and several doulas working for the company misrepresented their qualifications, falsely claiming certifications and experience they did not possess. Testimony and evidence gathered from 45 former clients led to findings that the Delaneys owe at least $60,877.61 to 29 consumers for unrendered services. The Consumer Protection Division encourages affected consumers to reach out via the Health Education and Advocacy Unit hotline for assistance.
Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office press release.
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