The Navy has placed Carafello's Auto Sales in Norfolk on its off-limits list for Hampton Roads service members, citing illegal bird dogging.
The commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic put the car dealership at 6328 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. on the list last week after a recommendation from the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board, according to a Navy news release.
The board alleges that the dealership has been engaged in the illegal business practice known as bird dogging, in which someone refers a prospective customer to a particular store or salesman for compensation. Under Virginia law, only licensed salespeople at a dealership can help customers with vehicle purchases.
The board gets reports from different commands throughout the area, and if there are enough to cause concern, officials reach out to the business, said Navy spokesman Jim Moir.
Owner Ryan Carafello said he met with the board in July and did not think it had evidence to support its claims.
"It's a shame they would find any reason whatsoever to put us on a blacklist," Carafello said. "I'm 100 percent fighting it."
The off-limits list also currently includes three other establishments in Norfolk: 7 City's Custom & Design on 37th St. and Princess Anne Road, and Unwind on 21st Street. Mellow Smoke Tobacco Shop in Virginia Beach is also on the list.
Moir said the list is an order and service members found breaking it would be subject to disciplinary measures.
Katherine Hafner, 757-446-2705, katherine.hafner@pilotonline.com
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