(BOWLING GREEN, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a Rossford used car dealership accused of failing to deliver vehicle titles according to Ohio law.
The lawsuit seeks reimbursement from Jake’s Used Cars and owner James Bernard, after more than $102,000 from the Title Defect Rescission Fund was used to assist consumers who failed to receive titles after buying vehicles from Jake’s.
“Title problems are one of the most common consumer complaints made to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office,” Attorney General DeWine said. “We have an obligation to help consumers, and we have an obligation to enforce the law.”
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of violating Ohio’s Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title Act by selling motor vehicles to consumers and then failing to obtain certificates of title within 40 days of the sale.
According to the lawsuit, Jake’s Used Cars last operated 9566 Clark Road in Rossford. About 40 consumers filed complaints, with most saying the dealership failed to deliver titles.
The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for harmed consumers, reimbursement to the Title Defect Rescission Fund, and an end to any violations of Ohio consumer protection laws.
In a similar case, Attorney General DeWine’s office filed a lawsuit last month against KJNS Enterprise LLC for failing to transfer titles. According to the lawsuit, payments totaling more than $14,000 were used to reimburse consumers after they bought used cars from the Perrysburg dealership. The case is pending.
Ohio’s Title Defect Rescission Fund, which includes fees and payments from car dealerships, helps consumers who experience title problems after they buy a vehicle from a dealership. The fund is administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
-30-
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840