Sears, Roebuck and Co. has agreed to pay $225,000 to settle charges that it violated Maryland's Consumer Protection Act in the sale of plumbing services to consumers by its former licensee.

Attorney General J. Joseph Curran Jr. alleged in administrative charges that Warner Plumbing, a Baltimore-based firm li- censed by Sears to provide plumbing services from 1989 to 1995, used unlicensed workers and recommended replacement of fixtures when less expensive repairs were possible.

In settling the case, Sears denied it acted unlawfully but agreed to ensure that only licensed plumbers will operate under its name and guarantee services performed by Warner or its subsidiaries.

Pub Date: 9/15/98