The Count’s Kustoms lawsuit history centers on two civil cases: a 2014 customer complaint alleging the Las Vegas shop took $50,000 for a 1967 Ford Mustang restoration that was never done, and a 2016 suit against a former accounting employee accused of stealing more than $75,000 from the business. Shop owner Danny Koker was not criminally charged in either matter.
The Hurt Mustang Restoration Suit
Jeanette and Paul Hurt sued Count’s Kustoms in Clark County Court in 2014, alleging the shop “fraudulently withheld” $50,000 they had paid for a Mustang build.1Courthouse News Service. Diddled by TV Show’s Mechanics, Couple Say The deal was struck in June 2013 with Count’s Kustoms employee Scott Jones, who told the couple the shop would source and rebuild a 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe for $50,000: $11,000 for the car and $39,000 for labor. Jones also told them $20,000 of the cost would be picked up by the producers of Counting Cars because the build would air on the show, with a filmed reveal planned for Las Vegas in December 2013.
By August 2013, the Hurts were told the History Channel would not film the project and that Jones was no longer with the shop. A visit that October, they said, showed no work had been performed. They also learned the vehicle sourced for them was not the promised 1967 Mustang, and that its actual cost was $30,000 rather than the $11,000 they had been quoted.1Courthouse News Service. Diddled by TV Show’s Mechanics, Couple Say
According to the complaint, the shop agreed to refund the money but never sent it, and later contact attempts were “rejected or rerouted.” Attorney Jason J. Bach represented the couple, who sought the full $50,000. Jones was not named as a defendant. The available record does not show a publicly reported verdict or settlement.1Courthouse News Service. Diddled by TV Show’s Mechanics, Couple Say
The Joseph Frontiera Embezzlement Suit
Joseph Frontiera was hired into an accounting role at Count’s Kustoms in 2013 through the staffing agency Randstad Professionals. The shop later alleged he stole more than $75,000 to cover personal expenses, including a down payment on a Land Rover Range Rover and airline tickets, and that his failure to pay company taxes led to an IRS penalty of roughly $18,000.2Las Vegas Review-Journal. Las Vegas Auto Shop With Reality TV Show Claims Ex-Employee Stole $75,000 The complaint alleged Frontiera made unauthorized signature stamps of owners Danny Koker and Kevin Mack and used them to sign checks while the two were out of the office.
Count’s Kustoms filed the civil suit on March 22, 2016. It also sued Randstad, arguing the agency had failed to disclose Frontiera’s alleged prior history of embezzlement and fraud with a previous Florida employer.2Las Vegas Review-Journal. Las Vegas Auto Shop With Reality TV Show Claims Ex-Employee Stole $75,000 Frontiera’s attorney moved to dismiss shortly after filing.3Washington Times. Auto Shop Featured on Reality Show Accuses Employee of Theft Randstad countersued, arguing that the shop’s own contract with the agency had prohibited Frontiera from handling the financial transactions at issue.
How the Case Resolved
The action was removed from Clark County District Court to the federal District of Nevada as Count’s Kustoms, LLC v. Frontiera, case number 2:16-cv-00910, before Judge Jennifer Dorsey.4CourtListener. Counts Kustoms LLC v. Frontiera Count’s Kustoms and Randstad settled in September 2016 on undisclosed terms, and the case was terminated on April 3, 2019. Court documents referenced in later reporting indicate Frontiera was ordered to pay Count’s Kustoms more than $40,000 in damages.5Nicki Swift. What Happened to Counting Cars Cast Members
The Criminal Charge
Separately, Frontiera was charged in Las Vegas Justice Court with felony theft of more than $3,500 for conduct in August 2013. An arrest warrant issued in the case went unserved because he had moved to Florida.2Las Vegas Review-Journal. Las Vegas Auto Shop With Reality TV Show Claims Ex-Employee Stole $75,000 The available record does not show whether the warrant was later served or whether the criminal case reached a resolution.
Impersonation Scams and Koker’s Legal Response
Outside the courtroom, Danny Koker has dealt with unidentified people using his likeness to sell CBD products online, with some ads falsely claiming he endorsed the products on Fox News. Koker has said he does not sell CBD oil or tablets and hired a legal firm to fight the fraudulent ads.6TopSpeed. Count’s Kustoms Danny Koker According to Koker, the fake ads caused a “falling out” with the network behind Counting Cars. Fake social media accounts impersonating him have also solicited money from fans, with some victims sending $5,000 or more; Koker has said he keeps no personal social media presence other than on X and will never ask for money by direct message.