AG sues dealerships over title disputes

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The New Mexico Attorney General is suing two Albuquerque car dealerships, claiming they are withholding titles from people who have already paid for vehicles.

Attorney General Gary King's Consumer Protection Division has filed a complaint against Lohman Motors and Lomas Auto Mall seeking restitution, civil penalties, declaratory relief and injunctive relief.

Lomas Auto Mall is accused of misleading people about the status of the title at the time of sale and and failing to disclose liens on some vehicles, according to Assistant Attorney General Joel Cruz-Esparza.

Lohman Motors, who provided the funding to Lomas Auto Mall to buy the vehicles, is accused of refusing to hand over titles to people who paid for the vehicles.

The Attorney General's Office said 12 customers have come forward so far, but there could be as many as 65 out there.

Co-owner of Lohman motors, Todd Lohman said he was shocked by the lawsuit.

"I am more of a victim than anybody in this," Lohman said.

Lohman said he was the money man in all this. He said about 4 years ago the owner of Lomas Auto Mall Michael Richesin approached him and asked him to fund $700,000.

Richesin used the money to purchase vehicles, but after selling them pocketed they money and didn't repay Lohman, according to Lohman.

Lohman said until he gets his money, he will hold onto the titles.

When asked what he would say to the unsuspecting buyers caught in the middle Lohman said, "I am sorry, I am very sorry, I would be upset too, but they need to go after, Lomas Auto Mall and Mickey Richesin."

Cruz-Esparza said the law is clear and that's why they went after Lohman Motors.

"That's a battle between them, and they're leaving the public victimized, by not having the title in their name. The floor planner has a great case but he can't hold hostage those titles against the public," he said.