Attorney Generals News Release

July 26, 1995

Judge issues TRO against auto repair shop in Buffalo to halt alleged merchandising fraud

Jefferson City, Mo. — At the request of Attorney General Jay Nixon, a Dallas County judge today issued a temporary restraining order against the owner of an auto repair shop in Buffalo to halt alleged violations of Missouri merchandising fraud laws.

The order by Acting Presiding Judge Cody Hanna prevents Gary Bott, who operates Bott Engines, from continuing to sell automotive repair services and engines.

Nixon alleges that Bott falsely promised consumers he would provide a 12,000 mile/12-month warranty on the automotive parts and services he sold; misled consumers into believing the engines he sold were rebuilt when, in fact, they were not; falsely claimed he had replaced various parts on consumers' cars when he had not; and kept consumers' cars after he had failed to repair the vehicles as promised, even though he was being paid for the repair.

“People put a lot of trust into the mechanics who work on their cars, and the great majority of mechanics earn that trust,” Nixon said. “When warranties are not honored and people are falsely billed for work and parts, however, that trust is betrayed.”

Nixon also has asked the court to order Bott to pay restitution for consumers who had suffered financial loss as a result of Bott's unlawful actions, civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each violation, court costs and investigative costs. A court date to decide on restitution and penalties has not been set.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818