ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a lawsuit against M&E Partners LLC, doing business as Second Chance Auto, and manager David J. Ellis, Jr. The lawsuit seeks reimbursement to the state’s Title Defect Recision Fund and charges the business with failing to deliver motor vehicle titles to purchasers as required by law.

“In this case, we made payments to help consumers who failed to receive titles, and now we are seeking reimbursement from the business,” said Attorney General DeWine.

Second Chance Auto was located in Bridgeport, Ohio. After the dealership’s owner died in October 2012, manager David J. Ellis, Jr. controlled the business activities. The dealership is now  closed.

According to the lawsuit, the Attorney General’s Office issued $11,803.50 from the Title Defect Recision Fund to resolve complaints from consumers who failed to receive titles for vehicles they purchased from the dealership. The lawsuit also alleges the violations occurred under Ellis’ watch.

The Attorney General seeks full reimbursement to the fund and charges the dealership and Ellis with violations of Ohio's Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title Act and Consumer Sales Practices Act.