Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has taken legal action against two central Ohio auto dealerships, alleging violations of state consumer protection laws. The lawsuits, filed in Delaware County and Franklin County, accuse the dealerships of failing to provide vehicle titles to customers and engaging in other deceptive practices, including odometer rollbacks and misrepresenting the condition of vehicles.
The legal actions target Starfleet Cars, operated by Johnathan Paul Kirkham in Delaware County, and Way 2 Go Auto Sales, owned by Kofi Bimpeh in Columbus. Both dealerships are accused of breaching Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Certificate of Motor Vehicles Act, with Way 2 Go Auto also facing allegations under the Odometer Rollback and Disclosure Act.
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The lawsuit against Starfleet Cars alleges that Kirkham failed to properly transfer vehicle titles to customers after they purchased used cars from his dealership. Meanwhile, the complaint against Way 2 Go Auto Sales accuses Bimpeh of multiple violations, including failing to provide titles, rolling back odometers, and misrepresenting rebuilt salvage vehicles as safe and roadworthy.
“Ohioans work hard and deserve to get what they pay for,” Yost said in a statement. “Whether it’s a deliberate title delay or outright fraud, my office will pump the brakes on dealership scams.”
The Attorney General’s Office has received 20 complaints related to the two dealerships, with issues ranging from title delays and odometer discrepancies to misrepresentations about vehicle conditions and problems with return policies. To address these concerns, Yost’s Consumer Protection Section is utilizing $138,135 from the state’s Title Defect Recision (TDR) Fund to resolve 32 title-related complaints.
The TDR Fund was established to assist consumers who encounter title issues after purchasing a vehicle. It provides reimbursement to eligible individuals while legal action is pursued against the offending businesses.
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Yost emphasized the importance of holding businesses accountable for unfair and deceptive practices. “When consumers are cheated, we take action,” he said. “These lawsuits send a clear message that we will not tolerate businesses that take advantage of Ohioans.”
The Attorney General’s Office is seeking restitution for affected consumers, civil penalties, and injunctive relief to prevent further violations by the dealerships. The lawsuits also aim to revoke the dealerships’ licenses and prohibit their operators from engaging in future motor vehicle sales.
Ohio residents who believe they have been subjected to unfair or deceptive practices by an auto dealership or other business can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section. Complaints can be submitted online at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 1-800-282-0515.
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