Department of State shuts down two repair facilities, suspends four auto dealerships in southeast Michigan

The Michigan Department of State has issued temporary cease and desist orders against two repair facilities and summarily suspended the registration of four used auto dealerships in Wayne and Macomb counties for noncompliance with the law.

The department issued temporary cease and desist orders to:

• Star Motor Auto Repair, 21579 Schoenherr Road, Warren, owned by Jack Musa, for performing brake, electrical system and tune-up repairs without a certified mechanic. A regulation agent discovered Musa’s mechanic certification had expired, but he was continuing to repair vehicles. A temporary cease and desist order was issued March 27.
   
• MC Auto Repair, 1650 Waterman St., Detroit, owned by Michael Castro, for operating without certified mechanics. A regulation agent completed an inspection at the facility Dec. 11 and found Castro, whose certification had expired in July 2005, performing repairs. Castro met with department staff at a preliminary conference in January, and the temporary cease and desist order was issued Feb. 8.

Temporary cease and desist orders prohibit the owners or anyone else at the facility from performing any further automotive repairs until the facility complies with state law. Under state law, any person who knowingly provides automotive repair services without a registration or certificate is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The department hasn’t referred these cases for prosecution but may do so if a facility owner repeatedly refuses to comply with the law.

Consumers can verify whether the repair shop they are using is registered with the state by using the online search tool at ExpressSOS.com and clicking “Business Services” and then “Repair Facility Services.”
The department issued the following summary suspensions:

• VAN Car Co., 7101 E. Eight Mile Road, Warren, owned by Nadhem Shaiya, was suspended March 15. The dealership no longer is operating at its registered address and failed to notify the department’s Business Compliance and Regulation Division of a change of address. A preliminary conference was scheduled for Feb. 12, but the dealership owner failed to show.
   
• Witko Group Inc., 33457 Gratiot Ave., Clinton Township, owned by Don Witkowski, was suspended March 18. A regulation agent attempted to conduct a lot and records inspection Feb. 6 and again Feb. 7, but the dealership was closed with no sign or hours posted.
   
• Mogul Trading, 2801 S. Beech Daly St., Dearborn Heights, owned by Milton Small, was suspended March 8. Lot and records inspections were attempted Jan. 16 and again Jan. 28. The dealership wasn’t open during posted business hours and couldn’t be inspected.
   
• Superior Plus Auto Sales Inc., 10614 Joy Road, Detroit, owned by Ghada Chokr, was suspended March 8. A regulation agent attempted a lot and records inspection Jan. 16 and again Jan. 28. The dealership wasn’t open during posted business hours and couldn’t be inspected.

Dealerships may request an administrative hearing to contest their suspension and may regain their license if they show they’ve complied with the law. Additional administrative actions are also possible.
Consumers who have a complaint against any of these repair facilities or auto dealerships are encouraged to call the Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 517-335-1410.

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Media Contact: Shawn Starkey - MDOS-Press@Michigan.gov