CROFTON, Md. — The Maryland Attorney General's Office is ordering the owners of a now defunct doula business to pay more than $600,000 in fines and penalties for allegedly violating the state's Consumer Protection Act.
Maryland State Doulas, LLC was a company owned and operated by Ryan and Heather Delaney, between February 2017 and October 2023.
The Delaney's advertised various levels of professional support for families before, during, and after childbirth.
Customers were required to sign a contract and pay up front fees in order to receive 24/7 services.
An investigation launched by the Maryland Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division found the Delaney's breached those contracts.
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The pair often times ignored calls from clients. On occasion no doula showed up when customers were giving birth.
Sometimes those who showed up weren't even certified, nor were they paid for their work.
Upon seeking refunds the Delany's either refused or lied to their customers about processing reimbursements.
Instead the Delany's would make unauthorized charges on client credit cards, under the guise of additional service fees.
With that money, investigators believe the Delany's paid for trips to Disney, shopping, and other personal pleasure.
During the investigation, the Attorney General's Office accused the Delaney's of providing "falsified documents to cover up their misconduct."
Investigators determined the Delany's violated the Consumer Protection Act 1,213 times — accounting for only a portion of the true number of infractions they're suspected of committing.
In total 29 consumers were scammed out of nearly $61,000, for which the Delany's are being ordered to pay back as well.
“Expectant and new parents trusted Maryland State Doulas to provide them with much-needed support services through pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood, but Heather and Ryan Delaney instead pocketed their money and failed to provide the services they promised,” said Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.
The Delany's can choose to appeal the order in civil court, as the Attorney General's Office ruled on recommendations of an Administrative Law Judge.
For questions about the case, call the hotline (410) 528-1840.
