A POPULAR auto shop suddenly shut its doors after several customers claimed that the dealership was using a trade-in trick to boost profits.
Drivers who purchased vehicles from the shop accused it of taking trade-ins without making sure the cars were actually paid off.
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Typically, when drivers offer dealerships a trade in, they are expected to pay off any outstanding liens on the vehicle.
If they fail to do this and do not inform the person buying the vehicle, the new owner is left in the dark that a bank or lender still has a legal claim over the motor.
Such allegations about The Waynesboro Jeep-Chrysler shop in Georgia sparked a serious investigation involving the Burke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
It said in a statement: “The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is concluding a significant investigation involving the Waynesboro Jeep-Chrysler Dealership, which faced allegations of accepting trade-in vehicles without satisfying existing liens.
“After receiving the initial report, CID investigators promptly launched a thorough investigation, conducting interviews and executing search warrants to uncover the full scope of the situation.”
“As a result of their efforts, seven individuals and eight vehicles were identified as being impacted by the dealership’s practices,” it added.
Now only one civil complaint remains outstanding after the other customers received restitution from the auto shop.
Major Ben Harman from the Sheriff’s Office praised the work of Lieutenant Heather Sims who led the investigation, commending her swift work to resolve the case.
“Lt. Sims worked diligently and acted swiftly to ensure a just outcome for everyone involved,” he said.
Just hours before the Sheriff’s office released details about the end of the investigation, the Burke County Dealership shut its doors.
The news was welcomed by former customers on Facebook with one accusing the shop of giving them “the worst experience ever”.
“Thank god!” another said in response to the closure as it was announced it would be taken over by a different company.
But despite complaints and the trade-in fiasco, Beth Grant, the former owner of the dealership, said on Tuesday that the main reason for the sudden closure was “national economic conditions”.
Grant said the economic conditions brought on by President Trump’s tariffs had taken a toll on the company in addition to higher interest rates.
Now, the Waynesboro Jeep-Chrysler dealership has been sold to the Paul Thigpen Automotive Group which owns a local Ford shop.
A worker from the Ford dealership wrote on Facebook: “We are going to do what’s right.
“We’re looking forward to continue serving this Great community!”
Meanwhile, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office said it “remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the rights of its citizens and uphold standards of transparency and integrity within the business community.”
“I am elated to have investigators who are so committed to our community,” Sheriff Alfonzo Williams said.
“The fact that such a large and complex case was brought to resolution so quickly is a testament to their dedication and professionalism.”
The U.S. Sun has contacted the Paul Thigpen Automotive Group about the purchase of the dealership.