SPRINGFIELD, MO – Chris R. King, 48, of Nixa, Missouri, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced today for a brazen scheme that ripped off lenders and compromised the identities of unsuspecting car buyers. King, the former co-owner of Queen City Motors, received a four-year sentence without parole from U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips. The judge also ordered King to pay $646,597 in restitution to his victims and forfeit the same amount to the government.
The case, investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Springfield Police Department, revealed a systematic effort by King to steal the personal information of potential customers applying for car loans. Instead of helping them secure financing, King weaponized their data, submitting fraudulent loan applications to Credit Acceptance, a lender specializing in subprime auto loans.
Between November 1, 2018, and November 8, 2020, King submitted at least 30 fraudulent applications, diverting approximately $783,475 into his own bank account. He preyed on individuals already facing financial hardship, leveraging their need for transportation to line his own pockets. The scheme involved a callous disregard for the victims’ credit and financial well-being.
King pleaded guilty on November 20, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory consecutive sentence, adding to the severity of his punishment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney prosecuted the case, demonstrating a commitment to cracking down on financial crimes in the region.
The Secret Service investigation uncovered a pattern of deception, highlighting the vulnerability of the auto loan process to identity theft and fraud. Experts say schemes like King’s are becoming increasingly common, as criminals exploit weaknesses in lending practices and the growing availability of personal data. This case serves as a stark warning to those attempting to profit from illegal activity.
The fallout from King’s actions extends beyond the financial losses. Victims now face the daunting task of repairing their damaged credit and guarding against future identity theft. The U.S. Attorney’s Office hopes this sentence will deter others from engaging in similar criminal behavior and send a clear message that financial fraud will not be tolerated. Queen City Motors’ future remains uncertain following the conviction of its former co-owner.
Related Federal Cases
- Lisa Kaye Barwick-Majeski, Nigerian Fraud Scheme, MO, 2023 · Kansas
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- Cristopher Cristea, Mining Fraud Scheme, St. Louis MO, 2023 · Texas
- Robert Keehner, Farm Fraud Scheme, MO 2016 · Kansas
- Lisa Kaye Barwick-Majeski, Nigerian Fraud Scheme, MO 2023 · Kansas
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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