Couple accuses car dealer of fraud

FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayette County couple is suing an automobile dealership alleging fraud.

Reena Lester and Richard Lester filed a lawsuit Nov. 20 in Fayette Circuit Court against Crossroads Chevrolet.

According to the complaint, the Lesters visited Crossroads Chevrolet on July 26 and, ultimately selected a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and entered into a contract for the sale of the truck. Both parties signed the contract, the suit states, and the Lesters put down $3,000 on the truck, leaving a balance of $45,642 and entered into an installment sales contract. Under the contract, Crossroads Chevrolet agreed to extend credit to the Lesters, the lawsuit states, and Crossroads told the Lesters the vehicle title would be transferred.

The suit states on Aug. 6 the Lesters received a telephone call from Crossroads Chevrolet informing them the company was unable to verify Richard Lester's employment. The Lesters allege they were told the initial interest rate quote was not acceptable and that they would have to return the truck.

According to the lawsuit, Crossroads Chevrolet committed fraud and misrepresented the nature of the motor vehicle transaction by violating the West Virginia Consumer and Protection Act.

The Lesters seek consequential damages plus incidental damages, punitive damages, costs and interest. The Lesters seek actual damages, or $200, whichever is greater, for each violation of the West Virginia Consumer and Protection Act, West Virginia Code 46A-1-106 and an award of up to $4,800 for each violation of the West Virginia Consumer and Protection Act.

The Lesters are represented by attorney Gregory B. Chiartas of Freeman & Chiartas in Charleston.

Fayette Circuit Court case number: 14-C-323