Two auto dealerships in central Ohio are under scrutiny following civil lawsuits initiated by the state’s Attorney General, Dave Yost. These legal actions highlight serious allegations of consumer rights violations, including tampering with odometer readings and withholding vehicle titles from buyers. The cases have been filed separately in Franklin and Delaware counties, each targeting distinct dealership practices that allegedly contravene multiple state laws.

In Delaware County, the lawsuit centers on Johnathan Paul Kirkham, owner of Kirkham’s Starfleet Cars. The complaint alleges a significant number of title transfer issues affecting customers who purchased vehicles from the dealership. To address this problem, the state has allocated funds from its Title Defect Recission Fund to compensate affected consumers while pursuing legal action against Kirkham. Meanwhile, in Franklin County, Way 2 Go Auto Sales is accused of a range of misconduct, including altering mileage readings and misrepresenting rebuilt salvage vehicles. This dealership, operated by Kofi Bimpeh, has faced numerous complaints regarding title issues, misleading information about vehicle conditions, and discrepancies in reported mileage.

Consumers deserve transparency and honesty when making significant purchases like automobiles. The Attorney General's office is committed to safeguarding these rights and ensuring that businesses adhere to fair practices. By taking decisive action against such violations, the state aims to protect its residents from deceptive practices and uphold the integrity of commercial transactions. This effort underscores the importance of trust in the marketplace and reinforces the principle that all citizens should receive what they rightfully paid for.