Attorney General’s Office one step closer to bringing justice for Rast’s alleged victims

Little Rock, Arkansas – Stephen Rast, an unlicensed contractor, is running out of time, according to the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.

On July 19, the AG’s Office requested a Warning Order, and the court granted it. Rast would have 30 days to answer before the case continued without him.

“We’re about to win this suit,” Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said. “We’re going to have a judgment against [Stephen Rast]. [Stephen Rast] You better get right with the law. Call our office. Get yourself an attorney. Whatever you need to do.”

Rast first faced criticism in November 2022 over allegations that he defrauded Arkansans of thousands of dollars.

Rast was sued by the Attorney General’s Office in December on the grounds that he had broken the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

According to court documents, the Attorney General’s Office has been looking for Stephen Rast and his wife Taylor Wells for several months. It has called, emailed, and employed outside assistance to track down the pair at several addresses.

“We tried every possible option to locate Stephen Rast and we were unable to do that,” Griffin said.

Two additional alleged victims expressed their dissatisfaction with Rast’s capture last week.

“I saw your piece. I understand people are frustrated, but they’ve got to know that we have professionals working on this investigation all the time,” Griffin said.

Griffin said he wants to reassure the victims that the Attorney General’s Office is pursuing the matter and is expecting to provide them with closure soon.

“I couldn’t be happier with the progress we’ve made, and I would just say to those who are frustrated through this individual’s deceit and theft, we understand, but we are doing everything in our power to rectify it,” Griffin said.

The Warning Order was submitted on July 17 by the AG’s office, and it was accepted on July 19 by the court.

“This lawsuit is going to continue, and if we do not hear from Mr. Rast in 30 days, judgment will be entered for us, and then we can go to collecting on that judgment,” Griffin said.