Bay area car dealership under investigation

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Post a comment | E-mail this story | Print

The Michael Holley dealerships in Lakeland and Bartow are under investigation.

POLK COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A major Bay area car dealership is facing an investigation.

The Michael Holley dealerships in Lakeland are Bartow are being investigated by the Polk County State Attorney's Office after customers complained that the dealership isn't paying off the loans on the vehicles they traded in.

Deborah Cascioli recently bought a truck from Michael Holley, and she traded in two vehicles as part of the deal. But she says the dealership never paid off the loans on the trade-ins, and now she said the finance company is coming after her.

"All of a sudden, Chrysler starts calling, saying I'm late on my car note," Cascioli said. "And I'm like, 'I don't have a car with you anymore. I traded it in with Michael Holley.' She's like 'No, it hasn't been paid off.'"

More Information

On Wednesday, the state attorney's office carried out a search warrant at the dealership. According to the warrant, investigators are looking into complaints from Cascioli and several other customers.

"When I'm getting a call from my creditor that I am still on the hook and I am late on payments on a car I've turned in, it creates legal problems," said state attorney Jerry Hill.

Even though an investigation is underway, no charges have been filed, Hill said.

"We are looking at those situations and just trying to get our hands around the real issues here," he said.

Cascioli hopes there is some kind of resolution soon. She said she is afraid the dealership will never pay off the loans on her trade-ins.

"I will have that blemish on my credit forever. I can't pay it back. I'm paying on this truck," she said.

Bay News 9 attempted to contact the dealership for comment on the ongoing investigation, but the phone calls were unreturned.

Be in the Know with Bay News 9 Now!

Get news, weather, and traffic alerts delivered directly to your computer desktop, e-mail, or cell phone with Bay News 9 Now.

Subscribe for free!

In-depth with Charlie Crist

crist Florida Gov. Charlie Crist responds to backlash from his own party, corruption in politics, critics who say he backtracked on supporting the federal stimulus, and much more. It's all Sunday on Political Connections at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.