JUNE 18 I PIANO EXPERTS I LEGAL
Biasco Case Yields Refunds

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan recently recovered nearly $40,000 from Paul and Peter Biasco, owners of the Piano Experts.

The Naperville Sun reported in February 2008 that the Piano Experts closing left expectant piano owners without instruments after they'd already paid. An investigation by Madigan’s office and a lawsuit found approximately 174 piano orders totaling more than $975,000 were outstanding when the piano dealership shuttered its doors.

Madigan’s office also secured a permanent injunction in DuPage County Circuit Court to ensure that the Biascos “can never sell pianos again in the state of Illinois,” said Robyn Ziegler, Madigan’s press secretary. The injunction “stops them from participation in this kind of venture again.”

No criminal charges were filed in the case, but Ziegler said Paul Biasco recently agreed to make $22,500 in restitution to 39 customers who lost cash deposits or full or partial payments made toward pianos. Peter Biasco agreed to pay $15,000, for a total of $37,500, earlier this year.

According to Ziegler, more money could be recovered from the Biascos, and a court hearing is set for July 7.

Representatives of Madigan’s office also aided those who attempted to buy pianos on credit or via installment loans by working with them and their credit companies to eliminate the debts.