AKRON, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray filed a suit Wednesday against a driving school that allegedly committed multiple violations of the state's Consumer Sales Practices Act.
The now-defunct Heights Driving School II and its owners, Charisse Pflueger and David Breth, allegedly collected up-front fees from people looking to learn to drive, but never provided the lessons.
"Students throughout Northeast Ohio paid hundreds of dollars to learn how to drive and ended up with nothing," Cordray said.
"This company shut its doors and refused to offer refunds. My office has received 189 complaints from consumers who were ripped off, and we are sure that there are more out there. Through this action, we will seek full restitution for each consumer."
The lawsuit accuses Heights Driving School of taking money from consumers without first providing proof of required bonding and insurance to the state. In late May, the company closed its doors and refused to offer refunds to those who had already paid for driving lessons.
Several high schools had contracted with the company for lessons, with each student paying nearly $250 for the driving instruction.
The lawsuit against Heights Driving School and its owners also charges them with unconscionable acts and failure to maintain statutory agent with the Secretary of State.
Cordray's lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction against the company, restitution to all those taken advantage of, civil penalties and all costs associated with the case.