Hawkeye Reporter

An Orange City man has become the first target for Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller in the state’s effort to clean up price gouging. 

Michael Evan Noteboom, known as mn65 on eBay, has been charged in Sioux District Court. He is alleged to have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic and allegedly inflated the prices of household items. Between March 2 and March 27, investigators allege Noteboom sold items to buyers in California, Illinois, Texas, New York, Michigan and other states. The highest price he charged as $119.99 for a 12-pack of Bounty paper towels, Iowa's News Now reported. 

The state is seeking both temporary and permanent injections on Noteboom to keep him from selling merchandise while also seeking restitution for customers taken advantage of along with civil penalties. Those found to be in violation of price gouging could face a fine of up to $40,000 under the state’s Consumer Fraud Act.

The hearing for the temporary injunction is set for 9 a.m. on May 6, via teleconference. 

The case Miller has brought against Noteboom is the first for the office since the coronavirus began circulating throughout the state, putting lives at risk and economies into  a downward spiral. Miller’s Consumer Protection Division has received 470 reports of gouging which also includes 285 since the beginning of the pandemic. Miller said Noteboom has been forewarned leading to the filing of the case.

“Our office has warned the defendant repeatedly to stop his activity,” Miller said in a statement to Iowa’s News Now. “Through news reports, public-service announcements and other notices, our office has informed sellers and the public that we will not hesitate to protect consumers from price gouging.”

Noteboom came to the state’s attention after it received a complaint on the allegation he sold a six-pack of Bounty towels for approximately $50 Iowa News Now reported. The complaint was received on March 22 and Miller’s office sent Notebloom a warning on March 24.