State issues violation notice against mobile home dealer

Friday, March 20, 1998 | 6:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state Division of Manufactured Housing issued a notice of violation Friday against Silver State Mobile Homes, Inc., of Las Vegas. The company has been the target of complaints by dozens of customers who either bought or sold trailers.

Senior Deputy Attorney General Leslie Nielsen said the state agency has received numerous complaints from customers that Silver State sold mobile homes with serious title problems, including unsatisfied prior liens. Silver State, located at 4904 E. Tropicana Ave., deals in used mobile homes.

Nielsen said Silver State owner Bob Swick "must clear the titles and satisfy the outstanding liens" before March 31 or face disciplinary action.

Many who sold their homes through Silver State complained that after receiving their sales proceeds, they were notified by the bank that their loans had not been satisfied and their payments were several months late.

Roger Croteau, attorney for Silver State, said the company would investigate the latest allegations and if they are verified, the liens will be satisfied.

The housing division is already trying to revoke the license of Swick. In November, Swick was accused of substantially overstating the amount of customers' cash down payments in retail installment contracts.

The practice, according to the division, allegedly defrauded at least one finance company of more than $1 million. Silver State has claimed the credit given buyers for down payments was in fact a rebate.

Croteau denied anybody has been defrauded. He said there's no truth to the allegations.