Ellisville Resident Sues Kia Dealer

Former Jim Butler Kia salesman Richard Pfuhl of Ellisville alleges in court documents that he was fired for cooperating with a state investigation regarding odometer fraud in connection with the sale of a customer’s trade-in-vehicle.

In February 2010, Pfuhl assisted a customer in the purchase of a used vehicle from in Chesterfield. Documents say the customer told Pfuhl his trade-in vehicle, a 2002 Kia Sedona, had the original odometer replaced.

The trade-in-vehicle reflected mileage of approximately 64,000 miles, but the actual mileage was approximately 110,000 miles.

Pfuhl further alleges that he told Jim Butler Kia new car manager Austin Richards about the problem with the odometer.

The Missouri Department of Revenue later received a complaint regarding odometer fraud concerning the vehicle that had been sold by Jim Butler Kia.

In September 2010, Department of Revenue criminal investigator Katrina Selsor questioned Pfuhl and other employees about the mileage.

Pfuhl said he told Selsor he could not recall the facts about the trade-in vehicle and that he informed Brad Sowers, a Jim Butler Kia dealer and managing member, what he had told Selsor.

Pfuhl alleges that he was then approached by Richards and Jim Butler Kia used car manager Benjamin McFarland who instructed him not to speak with state investigators again regarding the matter.

In November, Selsor returned with documentation concerning the trade-in vehicle and interviewed Pfuhl again.

When he was confronted with Selsor’s documentation, Pfuhl agreed to provide a written statement and related the facts of the transaction, including the information provided by the customer concerning the discrepancy between the mileage on the trade-in vehicle’s odometer and the actual mileage.

Pfuhl also told Selsor that he had reported the discrepancy to his superior, Richards, in February 2010. Approximately three hours after Pfuhl spoke with Selsor, he said in documents that Jim Butler Kia fired him for cooperating with Selsor.

Pfuhl is seeking a judgement in excess of $25,000 and is being represented by Jonathan C. Berns of Dobson, Goldberg, Berns & Rich, who declined comment citing pending litigation.