DES MOINES — The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has sued a Davenport resident, alleging that his businesses promised to create and distribute promotional items — including posters promoting high school sports teams — but instead defrauded small businesses across the country.

In the civil lawsuit filed this week in Polk County District Court, the state named Alphonso Barnum; his wife, LaFayia Kay Barnum; his mother, Willie Nance, and several limited liability corporations, including City Wide Promotions, Top Faith Solutions, and New Start Media. The lawsuit alleges the defendants violated the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act.

The Barnums’ companies often promise to make up to 5,000 of the promotional items and distribute them throughout the community, including mailing to all households and sending to supermarkets or other popular locations. They also falsely claim they are working with local schools to distribute the items, the lawsuit alleges.

The Attorney General’s investigation and news stories indicate that consumers in several states have complained about the defendants’ practices.