GALVESTON — An interior decorator is facing a suit after being paid more than $67,000 and failing to complete a project at a couple's home in Galveston.
Scott Birtle & Okwha Birtle filed a complaint June 8 in Galveston County District Court against Kayla Shook Salinas doing business as Kennedi Design Group alleging fraud and other claims.
According to the Birtle's complaint, they hired Salinas in January of 2021 to redesign/decorate their property in Galveston including window treatments, furniture, curtain rods and drapes. The Birtles further claim in March of 2021, they gave Salinas a $3,500 payment followed by a $10,305.40 payment and in August of 2021, paid her an additional $15,000. They allege that despite making numerous payments to Salinas for materials, furniture and drapes, there was virtually no work done on their property or any materials delivered.
The Birtles claim that after confronting Salinas about the lack of progress and work, she requested another $5,152.70, but had only installed temporary paper window coverings at the time. They also claim that to date, they have given Salinas $67,825.83 and an additional $89,843.39 to third parties for the project.
The Birtles seek monetary relief of $250,000 or less, interest and all other just relief. They are represented by Christopher Johnson and Brandon Evans of Johnson & Associates in League City.
Galveston County District Court case number 23-CV-0899