N.Y. AG alleges mechanic ripped off racing enthusiasts

BUFFALO, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a lawsuit on Tuesday against a Western New York mechanic for allegedly defrauding racing enthusiasts by accepting payments for work on engines he never performed.

William Leverentz, doing business as Billy Leverentz Racing Engines, allegedly collected thousands of dollars from racing enthusiasts to repair and rebuild high performance engines before failing to complete the work. Leverentz also allegedly engaged in shoddy repairs when he did finish the work.

"The fact that Leverentz took advantage of those who invested their hard-earned money into pursuing a passion is just plain wrong," Schneiderman said. "By filing this suit, we are making it clear that those who prey upon trusting New Yorkers seeking to upgrade their vehicles will be held accountable."

Leverentz also allegedly used cash payments from consumers to issue refunds to other consumers, took money for parts that he never ordered and removed parts from engines he was repairing and installed them on other engines.

Schneiderman obtained a temporary restraining order that freezes Leverentz's bank accounts and prohibits him from accepting advance payments from consumers.

The lawsuit seeks a court order barring Leverentz from engaging in any business in the state of New York until he posts a $100,000 bond. The suit also seeks consumer refunds and the payment of civil penalties to resolve the allegations of consumer protection law violations.