The owner and the manager of a Santa Monica Aamco Transmission shop have been charged with 14 criminal counts including grand theft, conspiracy, and false advertising after performing major unnecessary repairs to vehicles brought in by undercover investigators. The defendants are Mohsen Rabiee (owner), and Peter Joseph Trotter (manager) of the Aamco business at 2621 Pico Boulevard. The case was filed in Santa Monica Municipal Court by the City Attorney’s Office.

The charges stem from an undercover operation by the state Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). After receiving numerous customer complaints saying that the business sold excessive repairs, the BAR performed three undercover inspections in late 2000 and early 2001.

During both of the first two stings, the defendants told an undercover inspector that he needed a completely re-built transmission at a cost of $2,500.00. In fact, the only thing wrong with the cars was a single faulty part that could be replaced for under $500. In the third sting, the manager stated that he replaced two parts—and he charged for both—but in fact only one part was replaced.

The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned in Municipal Court on May 1, 2001.
 

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