OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) - Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced a preliminary injunction Monday against several auto dealerships owned by Mark Gilbert after the dealerships allegedly failed to pay off buyers' trade-in vehicles.
The Walla Walla County Superior Court entered the preliminary injunction on Friday ordering Gilbert Auto Nissan of Moses Lake, Gilbert Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of Walla Walla, Gilbert Auto Honda of College Place and Gilbert Auto Ford of Moscow, Idaho, to comply with state dealer and consumer protection laws that require the prompt payoff of customers' trade-in vehicles.
The Gilbert dealerships allegedly violated Washington and Idaho law by failing to pay off buyers' trade-in vehicles, which resulted in some buyers being forced to make payments on the new vehicle and the trade-in to avoid repossession and collections. The dealerships allegedly amassed significant liabilities to lenders and consumers related to unpaid trade-in liens.
In addition, Gilbert allegedly failed to transfer titles, a requirement of state law.
Ferguson also named the bonding company, Sentry Select Insurance Company, as a defendant in the lawsuit. Each of the Gilbert dealerships carries a $30,000 bond for consumer protection.
Wash. AG announces injunction against Gilbert dealerships
