INDIANAPOLIS -- A lawsuit brought about by the Attorney General of Indiana against an alleged scammer will be allowed to continue.

A judge ruled that AG Todd Rokia's lawsuit against Fulton County man Jess Sampson can continue. The case involves what Rokita describes as "unfair, abusive, and deceptive" actions on Sampson's part. The plaintiff in the lawsuit, covering alleged personal transactions between Rokita and Sampson, is the State of Indiana. Rokita is seeking $11,000 in damages.

The lawsuit alleges that Sampson, of Rochester, is a known scammer who deceptively advertises and sells vehicles despite not having the licensure to do so. He allegedly also does not obtain titles in his name for the vehicles he owns and sells. The lawsuit says he allegedly engages in "title jumps," wherein vehicles are obtained from their previous owners and sold directly to others, without Sampson titling them in his own name.

Rokita alleges that Sampson posted a Facebook Marketplace listing for "2021 Jetski Parts." He allegedly told Rokita that he could repair a jet ski Rokita owned. The lawsuit says Rokita paid Sampson $1,400 to perform repairs, as well as provided $700 in parts. Sampson later allegedly told Rokita that he was not able to make the repair and instead advised him to buy a new jet ski off of him. 

The lawsuit says Rokita bought a 2001 Sea-Doo jet ski for $3,000. Rokita alleges that he quickly found the jet ski needed significant repairs, despite Sampson telling him the jet ski had been refurbished. He allegedly paid nearly $6,000 to replace many of the engine parts Sampson described as "rebuilt" or "brand new."

The lawsuit also says Sampson falsely claimed to have licensure in multiple fields necessary for similar transactions. It also claims Rokia incurred additional fees from the BMV for Sampson's alleged title jumping.  

A motion to disqualify and dismiss the case was made in February; a Fulton Superior Court judge denied the motion June 8.