The Michigan Department of State has suspended the license of a Detroit auto dealer after the dealership was unable to produce records for inspection as required by law.

Department of State regulatory staff attempted to conduct a records inspection May 6 at Southern Motorsports, owned by Alfred Southern, and dealership representatives didn’t produce the files. In addition, it was noted that the dealership had no external signs posted, another violation of state law.

On June 18, a regulation agent attempted another inspection of the dealership lot and records. The doors were locked, no dealership staff members were on the premises and the dealership had a “For Sale” sign on the property. The suspension was served June 26.

Southern attended a preliminary conference with department representatives July 1 to discuss the violations charged to his dealership. The department is reviewing his case.