Alabaster revokes business license for Nick’s Auto Repair following claims of theft

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster City Council unanimously voted to revoke the business license of Nick’s Auto Repair, LLC, during a meeting on Monday, July 22 after hearing petitions from multiple residents who claimed to be victims of theft.

Nicholas Whitfield, 31, known for running Nick’s Auto Repair, was previously arrested by the Alabaster Police Department on four counts of theft after an investigation that was prompted by complaint’s regarding Whitfield’s business practices. Whitfield was booked into the Shelby County Jail on no bond on July 2 and is currently charged with eight counts of theft in the first degree.

Detective Charles Brewer with the Alabaster Police Department has been in charge of the case and has been investigating for around three months. The APD currently has 25 cases right now in relation to Nick’s Auto Repair with more than $200,000 in restitution.

The Alabaster Police Department submitted a request to the city of Alabaster to revoke the license of Nick’s Auto Repair, LLC and the Alabaster City Council held a public hearing on the matter during a meeting on July 22.

During the public hearing, Alabaster Police Chief Curtis Rigney commended the Criminal Investigations Division and Brewer for their efforts and shared new information on the case.

“They’ve done some research into Nick’s background—we can’t find anywhere where this guy is a mechanic,” Rigney said.

Over the course of the public hearing, 10 individuals spoke in favor of revoking the business license and shared personal stories regarding the alleged thefts that have been committed by the business.

“I took a one-year-old, 20,000-mile truck to Nick’s where I was told it should be a quick fix,” Hoover resident Stefan Mancuso said. “I had to pay up front for the parts which I was told was $5,600. So, a payment was made.”

Mancuso said that, after the work was done, Whitfield broke a fuel line which needed to be ordered and never came. Mancuso also said that after the arrest happened, he was refused the keys to his vehicle unless he signed a waiver relieving the business of responsibility. Mancuso was eventually able to tow his vehicle elsewhere thanks to the help of Brewer. The new business he took his vehicle to confirmed that no work had been done.

“After 5-weeks, $5,600, multiple lies, I am exactly where I am almost two months ago,” Mancuso said. “So, I am 100 percent in favor of revoking the license—making sure he is not able to victimize anyone else with lies and deceit.”

Wilsonville resident Brian Bone spoke during the hearing and said he took a vehicle to Nick’s Auto Repair, and after eight months, picked it up and paid to get it back. After taking the vehicle to another business, the transmission was pulled out and revealed to be the original manufacturer transmission.

“He had it for eight months, $8,000 out of our pocket and he never did anything,” Bone said. “He’s a very abrasive, rude, zero customer service, threatening business owner. This was going to be our next thing to do after he was convicted, we were going to push for this as well. So, I’m in favor of revoking his business license.”

After hearing responses from those who spoke during the public hearing, Council President Sophie martin expressed her gratitude to those who were willing to share their story and shared her perspective on the incidents.

“I’ve been on council for 15 years, this is the first time we’ve ever had to revoke a business license,” she said. “And I can tell you, on behalf of the mayor and this body, this kind of business practice is not tolerated in our city. We appreciate you all coming forward because, without you being comfortable in contacting our police department, we would not know.”

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