Agents raid home, business of Middletown car dealer

Federal and county authorities seize cars, records as part of two-year investigation.

MIDDLETOWN — Federal and county agents have seized vehicles and records from the home and business of Franklin Twp. resident Earl Clark in connection with a two-year investigation.

Officers from the Warren County Drug Task Force — as well as agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — executed search warrants at Clark’s Auto Sales at 1860 S. University Blvd. in Middletown and at Clark’s residence in the 6000 block of Linzie Drive in Franklin Twp., said Commander John J. Burke of the drug task force.

Burke said Clark has not been charged, but the warrants are related to a “multitude of crimes.”

The Internal Revenue Service, FBI and the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation are all involved in the case. Burke added that Clark is cooperating with the investigation.

Officers were seen leaving Clark’s residence carrying several boxes, which were loaded into an unmarked black truck. ATF agents at Clark’s business in Middletown seized several vehicles, including a yellow Chevrolet Camaro and a Corvette.

Clark was not at his business Wednesday and could not be reached at his residence for comment.

According to Warren County auditor records, the home on Linzie Drive was built in 2006 and is more than 5,500 square feet.

Situated on a 1.34-acre lot, the property was valued at $512,340 in January 2009.

According to Butler County real estate records, an Earl Clark recently purchased a property on Buena Avenue in Monroe for $11,900.

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