A Beaumont woman claims she paid nearly $2,000 to have her 2001 black Chrysler PT Cruiser repaired, but never received the vehicle back.
Helen Wagner filed a lawsuit July 5 in Jefferson County District Court against Mike Snowden, doing business as Snowden Automotive.
In her complaint, Wagner claims she brought her PT Cruiser to Snowden for repairs on Aug. 2, 2008. After his inspection of the vehicle, Snowden recommended Wagner pay $375 to purchase a new computer box for the car, according to the complaint.
After paying the money, Wagner waited a few days for the vehicle's repair before she discovered Snowden had sent it to Sour Lake for additional repairs, the suit states.
"The Defendant told the Plaintiff that when he attempted to install the new computer box, it had 'blown out' which had necessitated sending the car to Sour Lake to be reprogrammed," the complaint says.
Following a two-month period, the PT Cruiser finally reappeared at Snowden's repair facility, but was missing a front bumper, Wagner claims. Snowden informed Wagner it would cost her an additional $3,000 to rewire the vehicle, according to the complaint.
Wagner paid Snowden $1,356 and waited for her car to be fixed, the suit states. Meanwhile, Snowden began charging Wagner an additional $15 per day to store her vehicle, the complaint says.
"By the end of December 2008, the Plaintiff had paid the Defendant $1,734 and allegedly owed $2,292 more; and she lost her car to Defendant," the suit states.
In her complaint, Wagner alleges breach of contract and conversion against Snowden.
She seeks actual damages, plus costs, pre- and post-judgment interest at the highest applicable rate and other relief the court deems just.
Charles Gordon Reed of Beaumont will be representing her.
Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. B190-445