Other LanguagesThe Washington Attorney General’s Office is working to “keep the dirty side down”* for motorcycle enthusiasts who shop for parts over the Internet.
When bikers across the country began complaining about not receiving the parts they bought from an online business, the Consumer Protection Division hammered down* and sued Slade and Shawna Kitchens, of Dallesport, in September 2008.
“The Kitchens took their customers for a ride when they took their cash but didn’t ship their throttle cables, gas tanks and other parts,” said Assistant Attorney General Mary Lobdell. “Today’s court order shuts them down.”
The state accused the Kitchens of violating the state’s consumer protection law by failing to ship orders, provide refunds or obtain required business licenses. The couple conducted business a plethora of names and sold parts online at www.jeffscycles.com and www.cycleparts2007.com. They also sold telecommunications parts online at www.commdataconversions.com. (The Web sites are now down.)
Klickitat County Superior Court Judge Brian Altman agreed, permanently barring the Kitchens from selling or buying vehicle parts or telecommunications equipment over the Internet. The decision also prohibits them from making misrepresentations should they operate another retail business in the future. See today's news release for details.
* Keep the dirty side down: A parting expression between bikers meaning “ride safely.”
* Hammered down: Accelerate quickly.