CRL Collision Owner Files For Bankruptcy

KFOX has learned a local business owner accused of ripping off customers has filed personal bankruptcy.

Cesar Lopez, owner of CRL Collision, is accused of promising to repair vehicles, taking customers money, but never performing the work. Lopez then refused to release the vehicles or refund the money, according to customers

"Since May of '09 I've relied on my mom's car, my dad's car and just about anybody I can to find a ride from. It's frustrating," said Ana Ibarra, a CRL customer.

Ibarra said she brought her 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe to Lopez in May 2009, but now a year and three months later Ibarra’s vehicle has not been fixed.

"I don't even really remember what it looks like,” Ibarra said.

Ibarra has filed a civil lawsuit against Lopez in an attempt to get the $7,000 she paid him. According to officials with the El Paso County Attorney’s Office, Ibarra may never see that money.

"As soon as I filed the lawsuit, about a week or two later, I received a letter from his lawyer that he filed bankruptcy,” Ibarra said.

The bankruptcy would likely protect Lopez from paying Ibarra even if a judgment against him was ordered, officials said. However, the County Attorney’s office said they may be able to recoup losses with their current criminal case against Lopez.

“As it relates to the criminal cases, the bankruptcy does not protect him. We're free to go forward, and if we prevail at trial, and we get restitutions ordered, we're basically at the top of the pile as to who gets paid,” said Manuel Romero, an Assistant El Paso County Attorney.

Lopez is scheduled to go to trial on five counts of deceptive trade practice in October.