CLEARWATER — A Pinellas County resident is suing a West Palm Beach car dealership, its manager and bond company, alleging breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation.
Shawn Darling filed a complaint June 4 in Pinellas County Circuit Court against Josalan LLC, doing business as Car City, Shawn Bondroff and Suretec Insurance Company, alleging the defendants knowingly violated Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
According to the complaint, on June 29, 2017, Darling bought a 2011 Ford F-350 from the defendants through a published advertisements. Upon completing the sale for $29,043.40, the suit says, Car City failed to submit paperwork to the Department of Motor Vehicles, concealed that the vehicle did not have a four-wheel drive system and forged documents in financing the paperwork.
At the time of the purchase, the lawsuit states, Suretec Insurance executed a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit of $25,000 on behalf of the dealership, which Darling has a claim on the bond company. Darling alleges he has suffered substantial losses and damages, mental anguish, emotional distress as a result of the failed dealership.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants knowingly and willingly violated Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act by conducting multiple violations under the vehicle dealership.
Darling seeks trial by jury, damages exceeding $15,000, exclusive of costs, interest, attorney fees and any further relief the court deems just and proper. He is represented by attorney Jesse R. Butler of Dickinson & Gibbons PA in Sarasota.
Pinellas County Circuit Court case number 18CA3664 6/4