Mark Longgrear, 53, of Jackson, and his son Zachary Longgrear, 29, of Madison, have been accused of a large scale vehicle odometer roll back scheme in Mississippi.
According to a recent indictment, the Longgrears, individually and under their company Southern Auto Buyers LLC, purchased a large number of late model, high mileage vehicles from numerous sources. They then allegedly altered the odometers of these vehicles to show lower mileage, forged and fraudulently created paperwork to secure new titles showing false lower mileage, and sold the vehicles directly to individuals and automobile dealerships at much higher prices.
The Longgrears were charged with one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. In Counts 2-8, the Longgrears were charged with altering odometers of motor vehicles, and in Counts 9-14, the Longgrears were charged with giving or causing to be given false statements relating to odometers, all of which carry maximum penalties of three years per count and a $250,000.00 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Finally, in Counts 15-20, the Longgrears were charged with making, uttering or possessing forged or counterfeit certificates of title for motor vehicles, which carry maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and $250,000.00 fine.
The case is set for trial on May 14, 2018, before the Honorable Carlton W. Reeves. The public is reminded that the indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendants are each presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Odometer fraud is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for consumers. According to NHTSA, more than 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are working together to investigate and prosecute odometer fraud and protect consumers from this type of crime.
Individuals who have information relating to odometer tampering should call (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-4761. Individuals can also file a complaint online at www.NHTSA.gov/Equipment/Odometer-Fraud.
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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