(ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against M&E Partners LLC, doing business as Second Chance Auto, and manager David J. Ellis, Jr. The lawsuit seeks reimbursement to the state’s Title Defect Recision Fund and charges the business with failing to deliver motor vehicle titles to purchasers as required by law.
“Consumers who have problems receiving titles from dealerships can contact the Attorney General’s office for help,” said Attorney General DeWine. “In this case, we made payments to help consumers who failed to receive titles, and now we are seeking reimbursement from the business.”
Second Chance Auto was located on 56360 National Road in Bridgeport, Ohio. After the dealership’s owner died in October 2012, manager David J. Ellis, Jr. controlled the business activities. The dealership now is closed.
According to the lawsuit, the Attorney General’s Office issued $11,803.50 from the Title Defect Recision Fund to resolve complaints from consumers who failed to receive titles for vehicles they purchased from the dealership. The lawsuit also alleges the violations occurred under Ellis’ watch. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks full reimbursement to the fund and charges the dealership and Ellis with violations of Ohio's Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title Act and Consumer Sales Practices Act.
Attorney General DeWine reminds consumers to:
- Contact the Attorney General if a car dealership fails to provide you with a title within 30 days of the sale.
- Research a dealership’s reputation. Check with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau for any complaints on file.
- Be sure to get all verbal promises in writing, especially regarding any repairs or warranties.
- Read the fine print. Make sure you understand the purchase agreement and the financing terms. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
- Understand that “as is” means the car is not covered by warranty. You will be responsible for repairs.
- Take a vehicle for an extended test drive before buying. Ask a trustworthy mechanic to check it for problems.
- Keep in mind there is no three-day right to cancel a car purchase.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
-30-
Documents
Lawsuit
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840