The humble car mechanic has a reputation for being a crook, but it isn't often they get away with stealing over $100k from one guy.
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The 1967 Ford F100 that Tim Hayes was hoping to have repaired at Iconic Motors & Classic Corner Iconic Cars in Oklahoma City would have been a couple of years-long job for an amateur mechanic. But, for a restoration garage like this, it shouldn't take too long. Even stripping it back and rebuilding shouldn't take an age.
However, despite being given a two-year time window, it was still unfinished. Additionally, the mechanic had managed to take $115,000 for incomplete repairs. The mechanic held the truck hostage and did nothing, instead stealing money from the client.
Initially, Hayes wanted the classic Ford F100 restored for his son's 16th. However, over time, more and more delays kept coming through. The mechanic, James Voyles, found reason after reason to send new invoices to the man, stealing more from him every time. According to Hayes, he repeatedly said he needed new custom parts or complex acquisitions.
Voyles held the truck hostage, stating a Title 42 allows the garage to take possession of the vehicle until all invoices are paid. By the time he got it back, he had paid $115,000 and signed a nondisclosure agreement. He still didn't have a working truck.
Crooked Mechanic Blames Wife For Stealing Money
When asked about the predatory working practices, Voyles turned the blame on his wife. He repeatedly tried to play the diversity card to hide his obvious extortion. Speaking to News 4 about the accusations he said, "I mean, I just think it's unfair for a majority or a minority Colombian female lady in the industry."
He then went on to reiterate that his wife was the owner, saying that the business was hers, using her as a scapegoat again. The mechanic, speaking to News 4 about his repeated stealing, said that Hayes's "invoices and the business he did was with Class Corner iconic cars, my wife, who is very anxious to speak with you as a Colombian female business owner as I've also given you her number."
