BOISE, Idaho (AP) - The state of Idaho and KeyBank are accusing a former Boise jet-boat maker of swindling hundreds of thousands of dollars from customers before leaving town without building any boats.
Christopher Bohnenkamp launched a new endeavor - a tour company called Niagara Jet Adventures, in Niagara County, N.Y. - even as he faces lawsuits from disgruntled customers and companies trying to collect on unpaid bills.
Now, Bohnenkamp is the target of two more lawsuits, this time from the state and KeyBank, both of which are seeking more than a single-boat’s worth in damages, The Idaho Statesman reported (https://bit.ly/21tQmEz). His business is accused of taking more than $1 million from customers who ordered boats, but failing to deliver them.
Bohnenkamp previously ran Whitewater Customs and Treasure Valley Marine.
The state is accusing Bohnenkamp of violating Idaho’s Consumer Protection Act. Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden filed a lawsuit Wednesday in 4th District Court in Boise accusing Bohnenkamp of deceptive practices. Wasden wants a judge to stop Bohnenkamp from advertising or doing business in Idaho and to pay the Attorney General’s Office $5,000 for each violation of the law.
KeyBank filed a lawsuit earlier this month claiming 48 counts of breach of contract. KeyBank says its customers took loans for out more than $727,000 for boats they never received.
A KeyBank spokesman told the Statesman then that he could not comment, citing customer confidentiality.
Bohnenkamp’s lawyer, Mia Murphy, of Meridian, declined to comment.
Bohnenkamp is also still fighting lawsuits from customers in Idaho, Nevada and from his partner in Niagara Jet Adventures.
One jilted customer, Mike Sanders, of Boise, said Wednesday that he never expects to get back the $50,000 he gave Bohnenkamp for a boat, but that he would like to see some recompense. Sanders received only an unfinished trailer and hull.
“It would be nice if justice were served,” Sanders said. “I’m not holding my breath.”
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Information from: Idaho Statesman, https://www.idahostatesman.com
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