By Stephanie Grinnell
Staff Writer
    The fallout for customers of Veilleux Oil, Price Rite Oil and Perron Oil continued this week, following last week’s announcement by the Biddeford Police Department and the State Attorney General’s Office that both are investigating the oil company’s owner, Nicholas Curro III, for failing to honor heating oil contracts and accepting more contracts when he was aware he did not have any more oil.
    Fabian Oil Inc. of Oakland reported to Biddeford Police they received four checks from Curro, totaling $100,002, which were returned due to insufficient funds.
    The University of New England, a Price Rite customer for nearly four years, made arrangements with Champagne Energy in Arundel to continue delivery to the university, according to Kathleen Taggersell, director of marketing and communications. She said the university had an existing relationship with Champagne and were able to negotiate a contract with the company when the university found out Price Rite was having trouble meeting its obligations. Taggersell said there was never a danger of the university running out of oil.
    “We are still sorting through the process to determine the impact on the university,” said Taggersell. “There are some prepaid funds outstanding and since Mr. Curro did not provide us with recent invoices and fill-sheets and the police have seized his records, we don’t know the exact amount at this time.”
    Taggersell said the university passed along information to its employees about discounts available through Price Rite, as they do with other businesses including auto and home insurance, skiing lift tickets and movies. The employees were sent an email Jan. 22 informing them of the situation and directing them to resources. Taggersell said there were less than 10 employees who requested additional information.
    The employee’s contracts will also be fulfilled by Champagne, said Taggersell.
    “We’re making every effort to assist UNE employees who may be affected,” she said.
    Private citizens have been struggling to make ends meet in light of the null contracts with Curro. Biddeford resident Melissa Foss said she prepaid Veilleux Oil more than $400 for heating oil and propane. Foss has been on disability for two years and said she is now hoping she won’t run out of propane before she can get another company to deliver to her. Foss contacted the attorney general’s office as well as Biddeford Police and Sen. Nancy Sullivan (D-Biddeford).
    “Now I’m trying to figure out where to get the next $450 (to pay for heating oil),” Foss said.
    Kennebunkport resident John Vinagro said he has been a customer of Veilleux Oil for nearly 17 years, but only began having problems after the company was sold to Curro. This year, Vinagro prepaid $3,500 to Veilleux for heating oil, only half of which has been delivered. Vinagro said he did not know the company was making smaller deliveries until he ran out of oil during a cold snap. He said Curro did not respond until two days later, during which Vinagro and his wife used the kitchen stove for heat.
    “He seemed sincere,” said Vinagro. “He said his $7 million business was $4 million in hock. He said he’d sell it for what he was in for.”
    Vinagro alleged Curro told him it was the fault of the bigger oil companies and the banks, who refused to give him additional oil or funding.
    “If that’s the case, he’s not an honest fella,” said Vinagro. “You get hit both ways, you lose your money then have to shell out more. It’s a big problem in terms of… it affects your ability to pay taxes.”
    Vinagro said he has already spent $800 of the money he planned to use to pay his taxes to purchase additional oil for his home instead.
    Vinagro contacted the attorney general’s office, who requested a copy of his contract, which he said he sent.
    Several area residents have said they plan to contact a lawyer about their situation, including Jimmy Cook of Old Orchard Beach.
    “Just deliver what you said you would do,” said Cook. “I’m pretty upset with them.”
    Calls to Curro at the Veilleux Office were not returned as of press time.
    Deputy Chief JoAnne Fisk said there have not been any charges filed against Curro in regard to the alleged contract breach and said the investigation is ongoing. Charges of driving to endanger and criminal mischief were filed against Curro Jan. 18 when he allegedly backed his truck into a news crew’s van. Charges in the contract case, if any, will not be filed until at least March, said Fisk.
    According to published reports, a meeting with customers planned for Jan. 23 with Curro was cancelled unexpectedly with a note on the door of the business located at 599 Elm Street.
    Customers of Veilleux, Price-Rite and Perron should contact Biddeford Police at 282-5127 or the attorney general’s office at 626-8854 or 626-8591 with complaints. Local health and welfare offices can also be contacted for heating assistance.       
    Contact Stephanie Grinnell by calling 282-4337 ext. 213 or email news@inthecourier.com.