State issues cease and desist order to Marion County auto repair shop

Xtreme Diesel Performance found to be operating without a license

OCALA, Fla. – The state is getting results and taking action against an auto repair shop in Marion County found operating without a license for months.

Now, the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued Xtreme Diesel Performance near Ocala a $1,000 fine and a cease and desist order. The department also posted a sign on the business showing it's closed by the state.

Recommended Videos



Read: Deputies: Marion County mechanic defrauded customers of $50,000Marion County detective's husband charged with fraud; investigation underway 

Michael Thomas, 36, is accused of fraud and meeting customers at his auto repair shop, Xtreme Diesel Performance, and not doing work he promised. He is out on bail.

In one case, detectives say a victim gave Michael Thomas $13,700 to make upgrades to his truck. But detectives believe Thomas didn't do any work on the truck and instead drove it for a month and a half as his personal vehicle.

WKMG also learned Thomas is married to a detective with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the same agency that investigated him, but the Sheriff's ​Office did not find his wife, Pam Thomas, involved in any criminal activity.


Recommended Videos