(DELAWARE, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a consumer protection lawsuit against the operators of a used car dealership accused of failing to deliver vehicle titles to central Ohio consumers.
The lawsuit accuses Tommy’s Auto & Performance LLC, its owner, and its general manager of violating Ohio consumer protection laws.
According to the lawsuit, the dealership last operated at 4 E. High St. in Ashley, Ohio.
More than a dozen consumers filed complaints against the dealership, with most saying they never received the title to a vehicle they bought from Tommy’s Auto & Performance. The Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section worked to resolve the complaints, in some cases making payments from the Title Defect Recision Fund — a program that helps used car buyers resolve certain title problems.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, seeks to recover more than $47,000 that was paid from the fund in the case. It also seeks reimbursement for affected consumers and an order to prohibit the dealership’s owner, Thomas A. Divito, and the general manager, Donald A. Woda, from committing further violations. (Woda previously was sued by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for failing to deliver vehicle titles while operating another dealership, Woda Automotive.)
Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.