The Tennessee attorney general has concluded the investigation of two brothers accused of hoarding hand sanitizer and other supplies in Hixson to resell at inflated prices as the coronavirus pandemic spread.
Under the terms of an agreement, Matt Colvin and his brother Noah Colvin are prohibited from selling emergency or medical supplies during a crisis at prices “grossly in excess” of what those supplies would normally cost. The investigation will conclude without any civil charges or other penalties “in order to avoid the expense associated with litigation,” according to a release from the attorney general’s office.
“Disrupting necessary supplies during an unprecedented pandemic is a serious offense,” Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery wrote in the statement. “It became clear during our investigation that the Colvins realized this, and their prompt cooperation and donation led to an outcome that actually benefited some consumers.”
It is illegal for anyone to engage in price gouging during a declared emergency, but the agreement means the Colvins could face additional penalties for violating it, said Samantha Fisher, director of communications for the Tennessee attorney general.
“The biggest difference is that, unlike the regular citizen, the Colvins’ violation of this law will result in contempt of court,” she said.