Connect with us

Kansas

Wichita dealership owner barred from business in Kansas after cars sold with blown airbags

Published

on

Wichita dealership owner barred from business in Kansas after cars sold with blown airbags


WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office announced that a consumer complaint led to a nearly $400,000 judgment against a Wichita car dealership, which can no longer sell vehicles in Kansas.

The $394,197 default judgment entered against the owner of Carnation LLC accuses him of “engaging in deceptive acts and willfully violating a previous consent judgment under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)” Carnation’s owner, Kayode Ajibolade, also known as Olukayode I. Ajibolade, violated the KCPA by failing to disclose that a car had blown airbags before selling it, the Sedgwick County DA’s Office explained.

“After purchasing the car, the consumer later found an airbag simulator device which disabled the airbag light on the dash, concealing the fact that the airbag had been deployed,” the DA’s office said. “Further investigation by the Consumer Protection Division found 12 more cars sold by Ajibolade and Carnation in the first quarter of 2023 with blown airbags. Ajibolade and Carnation failed to disclose the blown airbags when selling the cars to consumers from the car lot at 1301 E. Lincoln.”

This isn’t the first complaint against Carnation that went to court. In 2019, Carnation LLC entered into a prior consent judgment with the DA’s Consumer Protection Division in which the business admitted to being deceptive by failing to disclose a blown airbag.

Advertisement

In the current case, the Sedgwick County DA’s Office said the court previously found that in April, Carnation’s sales of 13 cars “was undisclosed and concealed blown airbags constituted willful violations of the 2019 consent judgment and the KCPA.”

“The court ordered Carnation LLC to pay $2,000.00 per car in restitution to each of the 12 consumers for a total of $24,000.00. The restitution was later paid by the dealership’s bonding company. Carnation was also ordered to pay $390,000.00 in civil penalties, along with court costs and investigation fees,” the DA’s office explained.

In the latest default judgment, entered against Ajibolade on Nov. 22, the dealership owner “was found to be personally liable, ‘jointly and severally’ with Carnation LLC, for the remaining balance of the judgment, $394,197,” the DA’s office said. This judgment accompanied the court’s decision to revoke Ajibolade’s license to do business and permanently prohibited him from selling cars in Kansas.

In a news release on the judgment against Carnation LLC and its owner, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett “reminds buyers to exercise care when shopping for a used vehicle.”

“Because devices can be used to conceal that a car is missing functioning airbags, even if inspected by a mechanic, it is important to also examine a Carfax or similar history of the vehicle before purchase to identify accidents that may have resulted in the deployment of airbags,” Bennett said. “In addition, it is recommended that the consumer perform a general online search of the VIN number of a prospective car purchase, which can often reveal photos of prior damage to the car.”

Advertisement



Source link

Kansas

Farmer receives support from community after Kansas wildfire destroys home

Published

on

Farmer receives support from community after Kansas wildfire destroys home


KISMET, Kan. (KWCH) – Last month, wildfires in southern Kansas raged, destroying farmer Randall Thorp’s property, tools and 960 acres of land.

As he handles the massive cleanup project, he knows he is not alone.

“It’s about the greatest show of love I’ve ever seen,” Thorpe said. “I didn’t realize that I would have all this support in my greatest time of need.”

The two main contributors to Thorp’s optimism are the community around him and his faith.

Advertisement

“I’ve seen a lot of darkness that, because of my faith in Jesus, I can see the light in my heart,” Thorp said. “And that’s what keeps me going.”

Throughout the past few weeks, friends, family and neighbors have come to his property to help sort out and clean up the debris.

“I come out here and I’m by myself and I find it hard to do anything, but when a group of people all shows up and they’re wanting to work, then I’m ready to get to work with them, and they’re all ready to help me,” Thorp said.

Even with all the uncertainty following the fire, Thorp has been able to feed the 150 cattle he has, a number that is now growing since it is calving season. Friendly helpers are providing free hay for his animals to eat.

There’s a long way until things will be back to normal, but Thorp is determined to get there.

Advertisement

“You know, I can see some light at the end of the tunnel, but I’ve got to stay strong and keep it going and make it through,” Thorp said.

The powerful show of dependability from fellow Kansans is something he will never forget.

“I’ve been shown lots of love,” Thorp said.

You can still donate to Thorp’s GoFundMe here.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Kansas

Kansas City International Airport reopens after ‘threat’ prompts FBI, cops to swarm terminal

Published

on

Kansas City International Airport reopens after ‘threat’ prompts FBI, cops to swarm terminal


Kansas City International Airport in Missouri was partly evacuated over a “threat” Sunday afternoon but has since resumed “normal operations,” officials said.

“The security incident at [Kansas City International Airport] is now clear and normal operations are resuming,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X.

“I want to thank law enforcement including the FBI for their timely response. The safety of our passengers, airport staff, and crew members is always our number one priority.”

Airport representative Jackson Overstreet told The Associated Press in an email that the threat was reported at 11:50 a.m. local time, at which point an entire terminal was evacuated.

Advertisement

He said planes that landed after the threat were being held on the taxiway until it could be fully investigated.

Passengers gather on the tarmac at Kansas City International Airport after being evacuated due to a “threat” on March 8, 2026. J McDonough via KCTV

Airport staff gathered on the tarmac in front of a terminal and jet bridge.
Roughly 2,000 people were ushered out of the terminal and onto the tarmac, a spokesperson said. Peter Everett via KCTV

FBI rep Dixon Land said the bureau was “aware of the incident” and worked with “law enforcement officials to determine the credibility of a threat.”

Passenger Logan Hawley, 29, told the outlet he was getting ready to board a flight to Texas when he saw police and K-9 units swarming the terminal.

“Suddenly there was an airport worker saying ‘immediately evacuate,’ people got up fast and rushed out of there,” Hawley said.

Roughly 2,000 people were ushered out of the terminal and onto the tarmac, he said.

Photos and video from the airport circulating online show large groups of passengers being led onto the tarmac or funneling out of the terminal.

Advertisement

With Post Wires



Source link

Continue Reading

Kansas

Kansas family stranded in Iran with critical medical need makes it home through congressional intervention

Published

on

Kansas family stranded in Iran with critical medical need makes it home through congressional intervention


SHAWNEE, Kan. – A Kansas family said a call to their congresswoman’s office helped bring their daughter and son-in-law home after they were stranded overseas with an unmet critical medical need.

Janet Fulgham said her daughter Laura and Laura’s husband Adam had been traveling in the UAE when an attack on Iran disrupted their plans to return home.

With their trip delayed and Laura facing a medical need that could not be met there, Fulgham said she contacted the office of Rep. Sharice Davids.

A Kansas family said a call to their congresswoman’s office helped bring their daughter and son-in-law home after they were stranded overseas with an unmet critical medical need.(Janet Fulgham)

Fulgham said Davids’ office worked with the State Department to flag the emergency and secure a flight for the couple.

Advertisement

“The first thing that went through my mind was her medication. It is such a big part of her life. And then how do we get them out safely? How on earth do we get them out?” Fulgham said.

The couple was stranded in the UAE when conflict broke out in the Middle East last weekend.
The couple was stranded in the UAE when conflict broke out in the Middle East last weekend.(Janet Fulgham)

She said the experience prompted her to share a message with other families.

“Very often things are out of your control. But what I want everyone to know is, no matter what state you’re in, there are services to the American public that we may not know about,” Fulgham said.

The couple was stranded in the UAE when conflict broke out in the Middle East last weekend.
The couple was stranded in the UAE when conflict broke out in the Middle East last weekend.(Janet Fulgham)

Davids, who represents Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District, said the situation reflects the real-world impact of international crises.

“This is one of those areas where you really see how much we’re talking about real people. You know, Laura and Adam are real Kansans who are stuck in a situation that they did not ask to be in. I’m just so relieved and glad that they’re back home,” Davids said.

Fulgham said the relief of her daughter’s return is tempered by awareness of others still waiting.

“Happiness and my delight that they’re home. Mixed with my total exhaustion. But then there’s so many other parents and friends and family members who are waiting for their loved ones. It’s hard to really celebrate when you know there’s such a big need,” Fulgham said.

Advertisement

Davids is expected to visit the family later this week. Her office said it is still working to help other Kansas families who remain stranded.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending