Attorney General's News Release

February 8, 2008

Kansas City car salesman found guilty of odometer fraud on charge brought by Nixon

Jefferson City, Mo. — A Kansas City man was found guilty Thursday (Feb. 7) on a criminal charge that he misrepresented the number of miles on a vehicle he had for sale at his auto dealership. Michael Joseph Myers (DOB - 1/1/65) was found guilty of one count of felony merchandising practices fraud by Judge William C. Kramer in Jackson County Circuit Court in a case prosecuted by Attorney General Jay Nixon.

Myers was indicted on the charge on Dec. 13, 2006 by the Jackson County grand jury at the request of Nixon. The charge against Myers was in connection with the attempted sales of a vehicle to consumers in which he misrepresented how many miles were on the odometer.

According to the indictment, Myers worked at First Class Auto and Marine located at 14501 East U.S. Highway 40 in Kansas City.

Unlawful merchandising practices is a Class D felony under Missouri law, punishable upon conviction by up to four years in prison and a fine of $5,000 per count. Myers is scheduled to be sentenced March 28.

Nixon offers the following common-sense tips to avoid becoming a victim of odometer fraud when purchasing a vehicle:

• Ask dealers who previously sold the vehicle for copies of the vehicle’s odometer disclosure forms.
• Check oil-change stickers for mileage; and
• Check the mileage at the vehicle’s last inspection. A title search can disclose this information.

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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