DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The owner of cosmetology schools in Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska is asking a judge to dismiss a consumer fraud lawsuit filed by the Iowa attorney general’s office. State attorneys filed a petition Aug. 28 alleging Cynthia Becher, owner of a company that operates La’ James International Colleges violated Iowa’s Consumer Fraud Act.

Miller alleges the schools failed to adequately staff classrooms and required students to perform janitorial duties, among other allegations. On Oct. 23 Becher’s lawyers filed a motion to dismiss saying the claims are based on vague allegations not facts. Miller’s office plans to respond in a court filing next week.

La’ James has Iowa schools in Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Fort Dodge, Iowa City Johnston. Additional locations are in East Moline, Illinois, and Fremont, Nebraska.