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Action 9 investigates local car repair shop

LEESBURG,Fla. — Action 9 investigates a big car repair shop that's left a lot of customers claiming they were taken for an expensive ride. Two consumers even sued the shop, but still can't collect their money.

Lorraine Clark showed Action 9's Todd Ulrich proof of her automotive problems. The pavement of her driveway is stained with oil leaking from her SUV.

Clark claims four separate repairs at Hanson Auto and Truck in Lake County failed or were not done after she paid $1,700.

 "They have taken my money from me for botched-up jobs they claim they fixed, did not fix and my pockets are nearly empty," Clark said.

Clark sued Hanson Auto and won a judgment for nearly $700.

"Did you get your money," asked Ulrich. 

"No, sir, I didn't," replied Clark.

The shop is rated F at the Better Business Bureau and Ulrich found lots of complaints online from customers who claim they had bad repairs.

Ulrich confronted shop owner Eric Hanson.

"They claim the repairs failed or the jobs weren't done," said Ulrich. 

"Not that I know of," Hanson replied.

He was soft-spoken and denied any problems.

"I don't know anything. I have not been called to court or anything," Hanson said.

Court records tell a different story.

Three months ago, Hanson was charged with odometer fraud. His criminal past includes no contest pleas to grand theft, cocaine possession and burglary.

Customer David McMurry sued Hanson Auto after he claims it kept his vehicle for more than a year then returned it after a shop fire gutted the engine.

"Who do you blame for the fire?" Ulrich asked McMurry. 
 
"Hanson, he's the one responsible," McMurry said.

He sued Hanson's repair shop for $15,000 in damages, but so far there's been no company response.

"They can't get answers or their money back," Ulrich said to Hanson.

"Well I can't tell you why. I'm here every day," Hanson said.

Hanson promised that once he reviews the complaints, customers will be paid back.

Hanson has not yet entered a plea in his odometer fraud case. There is a hearing in that case scheduled for later this week.