Ohio attorney general sues Centerville auto dealer

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office has announced a consumer protection lawsuit against a Centerville used car dealer over vehicle titles that are alleged not to have been delivered. TOM DODGE/THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office has announced a consumer protection lawsuit against a Centerville used car dealer over vehicle titles that are alleged not to have been delivered. TOM DODGE/THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Business
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Nov 21, 2017
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The Ohio Attorney General’s office has launched a consumer protection lawsuit against South Dayton Auto & Truck Service LLC, a Centerville used car dealer accused of failing to deliver vehicle titles to customers.

The lawsuit seeks reimbursement from South Dayton Auto & Truck Service and owner Shane S. Smith, DeWine’s office said in a statement Tuesday. The action was taken after claims totaling more than $16,200 were paid from the state’s Title Defect Recision Fund to help customers resolve title complaints against the dealership, the office said.

The dealership operates at 888 E. Franklin St. Since 2014, 13 complaints have been filed against it, the attorney general’s office said.

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“Some consumers (are) saying they never received the title to a vehicle they bought from the dealership,” the office said.

The lawsuit accuses Smith and the dealership of violating Ohio’s Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title Act. DeWine’s office said the suit seeks an end to any “violations of the law,” reimbursement to affected consumers, and reimbursement to the Title Defect Recision Fund, which helps consumers when a dealership fails to provide a title as required by law.

An employee who answered the phone at the dealership Tuesday afternoon and gave his name as “Shane” said he does not have a comment.

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The company’s web site says it also offers repair and towing services.

Consumers who have title problems should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or (800) 282-0515.

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Thomas Gnau is a business reporter who joined the Dayton Daily News in 2007. He has reported for daily newspapers in Ohio since 1991.