The technician who approved a vehicle last month that was found to have inferior-condition seat belts by the Missouri State Highway Patrol has had his inspector’s license suspended for 30 days, according to the spokesman for Troop I in Rolla.
Troop I Public Information and Education Officer Sgt. Dan Crain on Wednesday said inspection technician Jerry Pankey, of Sam’s Tire Service, has been suspended effective Jan. 28.
Pankey is only suspended from performing inspections, Crain said.
Crain indicated after the suspension has been served, Pankey could reapply for an inspector’s license.
Pankey will have to retake the written test and redo his practical, and if he passes that, he can do inspections again, Crain said.
The MSHP became involved Jan. 12 when Michael Natoli of Vichy was involved in the purchase of a 1999 Ford Contour from Jordan Motors of 1344 S. Bishop Ave.
It was later, that Natoli became aware of the excessively frayed seat belts.
The belts were, essentially, cut half- to three-quarters through, and while Natoli admits he didn’t initially notice the poor condition of the belts, rating of the belts’ condition is part of the vehicle inspection checklist that wrongly was passed by Pankey.
Troop I Vehicle Inspection Supervisor Dan Gregory said then, “There’s no way those belts should have passed inspection.”
Missouri state statutes require all vehicles made after 1966 to have safety belts.
Jordan, the car salesman, acknowledged regret Wednesday upon hearing of Pankey’s suspension. Frankly speaking, Jordan said, he knows the liability and for that reason hires others to do the inspections.
Crain, the MSHP spokesman, said neither Jordan nor his business, Jordan Motors, was part of the investigation.
A call to Sam’s Tire Service manager Donna Lisenbe, at 703 North Rolla St., on Wednesday for comment about Pankey’s suspension, offered none.
A footnote to this report: In the two-plus weeks since the investigation began, Jordan, the car dealer, said Natoli returned to further express dissatisfaction with the vehicle.
Jordan, indicating he wanted Natoli to be happy with his purchase, offered to purchase the vehicle back from Natoli, which he did.
