(COLUMBUS, Ohio) —Attorney General Richard Cordray today filed a lawsuit against Columbus resident Manuel Torres, owner of promotion company Latin Explosion and El Palenque Party House, in an attempt to hold him accountable for selling tickets to a November concert that was never booked.

According to the lawsuit filed in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Torres promoted and sold tickets to a concert allegedly scheduled to occur at El Palenque Party House on Nov. 8, but knew the concert would not take place. An investigation by the Attorney General’s Office revealed that more than 750 people bought tickets for $35-$100 and turned up for the event. To date, none of the ticket holders have received a refund.

“Ohioans work hard for their money and during these tough economic times, every dollar counts,” said Cordray. “Those who fell victim to this scam deserve refunds. My office will aggressively pursue restitution and help to ensure that each consumer gets back every cent they spent.”

The lawsuit asks the court for a declaratory judgment including injunctive relief, restitution to consumers and civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation.

Today’s lawsuit was filed in response to complaints made to the Attorney General’s Office from consumers who bought tickets to the concert.

In a continued effort to protect the Spanish-speaking community from unfair and deceptive business practices, Cordray recently introduced a consumer complaint form translated into Spanish, which is now available online and by request.

“It is my mission to protect all Ohioans from unfair business practices,” said Cordray. “The new Spanish form helps to level the playing field for a rather large portion of Ohio’s population.”

To view the lawsuit against Torres, go to www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/LatinExplosionComplaint

To file a consumer complaint in Spanish, go to www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/Queja

To learn about consumer rights, visit www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or call (800) 282-0515.
 

Media Contacts:

Kim Kowalski:  (614) 728-9692
cell:  (614) 893-6018
Holly Hollingsworth: (614) 644-0508
cell: (614) 353-7576