LANSING — Secretary of State Ruth Johnson announced this week that she has suspended the license of an auto dealership in Detroit after the dealer was unable to provide records to department investigators for inspection.

Michigan Department of State investigators conducted an inspection of Detroit Scale & Cars, 14301 W. Chicago St., after the Michigan State Police conducted a search at the dealership and confiscated multiple stolen vehicles. 

During this records and inventory inspection on Feb. 4, investigators asked to review the dealer’s records, but the dealership was unable to provide the information requested.

“We take our responsibility to safeguard consumers from unscrupulous auto dealers seriously,” Johnson said. “Most auto dealers are reputable business people who follow the rules, but if we determine a dealer is operating outside the law, we will take action.”

As part of Johnson’s focus on strengthening her office’s consumer protection efforts, Johnson created the Office of Investigative Services, which investigates and inspects automotive-related businesses.

Dealers can 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.

The suspension this week comes on the heels of a string of Detroit dealership suspensions in 2015, which were all owned by Arab Americans. 

The move was met with some controversy. In late 2015, customers of one dealership protested the SOS demanding that the state give them their car titles, which were confiscated when the dealerships were suspended. 

Consumers who have a complaint against Detroit Scale & Cars are encouraged to call the Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 517-335-1410.