Used car dealer accused by customer of rolling back odometer

GRETNA – A man who bought a vehicle from a used car dealer claims the vehicle’s odometer was tampered with making it appear it had fewer miles on it.

Nicholas J. Hebert filed suit against Spice Auto Sales Inc. and Gregory L. Bryant in the 24th Judicial District Court on March 3.

Hebert contends he purchased a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe for $5,800 from Spice Auto Sales Inc. on July 21, 2014 and that at the time of purchase the odometer read 101,237 miles. The plaintiff asserts that shortly after he purchased the vehicle it began experiencing mechanical problems that resulted in necessary repairs including a new fuel pump at a cost of $743.03 and a rebuilt transmission at a cost of $2,184.12. Hebert claims that as he continued to experience mechanical problems with the vehicle he requested a vehicle history report on the vehicle which showed it had 206,139 miles on it on March 5, 2014, four months before he purchased it.

The plaintiff alleges Spice Auto Sales Inc. and Bryant tampered with the vehicle’s odometer in violation of Louisiana state law to make it appear as if the vehicle had fewer miles on it than it actually did.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract and violation of state law.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for mental pain, mental anxiety, financial loss, monetary damages and attorney’s fees.

Hebert is represented by attorney James S. Broussard of Abbeville.

The case has been assigned to Division B Judge Cornelius E. Regan.

Case no. 747-326.