⏱ 2 min read
Andrea Nicole Doherty, a 38-year-old business owner from Fallbrook, California, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for running a multi-year fraud scheme against customers of her Porsche restoration and resale business. Doherty, who took over the business after her father’s death in 2021, admitted to exploiting her customers’ trust and pocketing over $827,000. The scheme involved selling classic Porsches on consignment and accepting payments from buyers without informing or paying the sellers.
Doherty’s plea agreement revealed that she sold a 1973 Porsche 911E Targa to two different buyers, accepting payment from both without informing or paying the seller. She also agreed to sell a 1972 Porsche 911S for its owner, finding a buyer who wired her $280,000 within a week. However, Doherty did not transfer legal title, and the seller eventually received a bounced check from her.
The FBI, in coordination with the California Department of Motor Vehicles – Criminal Investigation, investigated Doherty’s long-running fraud scheme. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated that Doherty’s actions were a deliberate scheme that left her victims with significant financial losses. Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily of the FBI San Diego Field Office warned that the FBI will relentlessly pursue anyone who chooses deception over lawful business practices.
Doherty pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud in December and was sentenced in federal court. Her sentence serves as a warning to those who would exploit their customers’ trust for financial gain.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: California
- Location: CA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
