Auto mechanic arrested for failure to appear in case of customer who sued

CENTENNIAL — Court deputies arrested a former auto mechanic for not showing up to court in a case where a customer sued the owner for not repairing her car.

Robert Villanueba, who also goes by Robert Murillo, was arrested Thursday for failure to appear in a civil case. Villanueba was in court on a contempt case that is different from the small claim lawsuit brought by a customer.

Villanueba is the former owner of Transmission Repair Centers near South Broadway and Highlands Ranch Parkway in Highlands Ranch. The shop has since closed down.

Denver7 Investigates discovered in February that Transmission Repair Centers’ owner has many unhappy customers.

Tim Turner paid $3,200 upfront for transmission repairs in December. He says he later found his Jeep in a nearby parking lot, with the transmission in pieces in the back.

Julie Cooper waited months to get her car back.

Peg Hayslett found herself in the same situation.

Denver7 investigative reporter Jace Larson approached Villanueba as he walked into court Thursday to ask if customers would get their money back.

Villanueba shoved Larson and continued walking toward the courtroom without commenting.

Villanueba was in court on a contempt charge in a different court case. He pleaded not guilty to the contempt charge and a judge set a July trial date.

Jace Larson is an award-winning investigative reporter for Denver7 Investigates. If you have a story idea or a tip for Jace, email or text him at jace@thedenverchannel.com or 720-270-1468. You can remain anonymous. Connect with Jace on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.