A Brooklyn consumer's attempt to purchase a family SUV has spiraled into a legal battle over alleged deceptive practices and financial manipulation. On December 5, 2025, Esran L. Boothe filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Generation Kia, Inc., and Associated Banc-Corp. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of orchestrating a complex scheme that trapped Boothe in an inflated financing agreement.
The narrative begins on December 6, 2024, when Boothe visited Generation Kia's dealership in Bohemia, New York, enticed by an advertisement for a $44,005 Nissan Armada Platinum. Upon arrival, sales representative Rickey adjusted the price to $42,000, claiming it excluded taxes. After agreeing to this price and making an $8,000 down payment, Boothe was ushered into the finance office where he encountered Addie, a finance clerk who allegedly refused his request to use Municipal Credit Union for financing. Instead, Addie steered him towards Associated Bank with promises of future refinancing options.
Boothe alleges that during this process, he was subjected to high-pressure sales tactics involving unnecessary add-ons like extended warranties and GAP coverage. Despite declining these extras and relying on electronic signatures indicating "N/A" for unwanted products, Boothe claims he later discovered these charges had been added without his consent. The final contract reflected a staggering amount financed at $58,649.32 with an APR of 9.09%, far exceeding the agreed vehicle price.
The lawsuit contends that Generation Kia used electronic contracting methods not compliant with federal E-SIGN requirements or New York’s Electronic Signatures and Records Act (ESRA), allowing post-signature alterations to the contract terms. Boothe accuses both Generation Kia and Associated Bank of violating the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) by failing to provide accurate disclosures and manipulating loan terms through hidden finance charges.
Boothe seeks various forms of relief from the court including actual damages for overcharges and increased finance costs tied to undisclosed add-ons. He also demands statutory damages under TILA provisions which could potentially double any finance charge involved in the transaction subject to statutory caps on closed-end credit sales.
The case is being handled by Dombrow Law Firm located at 499 South Warren Street Suite 405 Syracuse New York with contact details provided as telephone number (315)409-7709 or text (315)299-3535 while Judge details remain unspecified alongside Case ID: 1:25-cv-06740.
Source: 125cv06740_Boothe_v_Generation_Kia_Inc_Complaint_Eastern_District_New_York.pdf