Springfield vs. Dublin Coffman
Were you spotted tailgating?
Carlisle vs. North College Hill
Former used car dealer pleads not guilty to 23 counts
Friday, April 20, 2007
TROY — A former Piqua used car dealer pleaded not guilty Friday to 23 felony indictments accusing him of illegal activity in the sale of vehicles and warranties.
Sam Irvin Jr., 47, a Houston resident and owner of the former Anything on Wheels dealership on County Road 25A, was released from the Miami County Jail on his own recognizance following arraignment in county Common Pleas Court.
Extras
The business was closed in February when Irvin's license was canceled through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles as a result of the investigation, Piqua police said.
The investigation was conducted by Piqua police, the BMV, Miami County Auto Title Department and the county prosecutor's office.
Irvin was indicted by a county grand jury on one count each of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and tampering with records; four counts of theft by deception; 10 counts of passing bad checks; five counts of failure to deliver certificate of title; and two counts of defrauding creditors.
Piqua police said they investigated complaints about the sale of extended warranties for cars purchased at the dealership when no warranty allegedly was ever delivered to the car owner. The investigation involved purchases made between January 2006 and February
Police said anyone making a purchase of extended warranty through the Anything But Wheels dealership who has not received verification that the warranty was activated may want to check. Police said one company — Guardian Warranty Co. — was mainly used for warranties. The company can be contacted at 1-800-474-4492.
Anyone who calls the company and learns that a warranty bought has not been activated is asked to call Detective Marty Grove of Piqua police at 937-778-2027.
Anyone who purchased a vehicle but has not received the title can call Billie Ray, special investigator of the county Auto Title Department, at 937-332-6807.
Prosecutors asked Judge Jeffrey Welbaum to order a cash bond. Irvin's lawyer, Robert Pratt, asked for a recognizance bond, saying Irvin was scheduled for surgery next week. Welbaum approved the recognizance bond, saying release was recommended by the pretrial services office following a bond check.
Contact this reporter at (937) 335-4357 or nbowman@DaytonDailyNews.com.
