(WARREN, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a consumer protection lawsuit against the operators of a Niles used car dealership accused of failing to deliver vehicle titles to customers.
The lawsuit accuses Leroy Braxton and Donetta Braxton, both doing business as Steals on Wheels, of violating Ohio consumer protection laws.
“We’re taking this action to protect consumers,” Attorney General DeWine said. “We’ve helped a number of people who had problems with this dealership, and we don’t want other people to have similar problems in the future.”
According to the lawsuit, Steals on Wheels last operated at 3045 South Main Street in Niles. In the past two years, about 25 consumers have filed complaints against the dealership, with many consumers saying they never received the title to a vehicle they purchased from Steals on Wheels.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office worked to help resolve consumers’ complaints, in some cases making payments from the Title Defect Recision Fund, which helps used car buyers resolve certain title problems. In all, consumer claims totaling over $23,000 were paid from the fund to help resolve complaints against Steals on Wheels.
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas, accuses Leroy Braxton and Donetta Braxton of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title Act by failing to obtain certificates of title for consumers in the time required by law. The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for the Title Defect Recision Fund, reimbursement for affected consumers, and an order to prevent Leroy Braxton and Donetta Braxton from holding an auto dealer license or selling to other consumers until they have made any payments required under the action.
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.
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Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840