DMV shuts down illegal Dutchess County car dealership
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced on Wednesday that operations at a car dealership in Poughkeepsie have been halted after a multi-year investigation. Three people were arrested as a result of the shutdown.
The investigation into the Pershing Avenue business conducted by the DMV and state police determined that Raed Nesheiwat, Lakeia Parker and Marceise Livesay allegedly sold over 150 cars without a legitimate dealer license. The three reportedly bought used vehicles at auction and sold them to customers using fraudulent paperwork from four different Florida dealerships, while having no legal connection to the dealers.
After initially being arrested and subsequently released on September 9 in connection to the investigation, Nesheiwat allegedly sold additional vehicles utilizing the forged Florida documents, leading to his second arrest. The three now face the following charges from the Dutchess County Grand Jury:
- 161 counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument
- 161 counts of first-degree falsifying business records
- First-degree scheme to defraud
"Operating as an unlicensed auto dealer puts car buyers and everyone on the road at risk," said Mark Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. "Registered motor vehicle dealers are held to strict guidelines and safety standards meant to protect consumers and ensure the vehicle they are buying is fit to drive. In this case, dozens of innocent car buyers were misled and lost out on those protections."
"Illegal car dealerships that operate without proper licensing or engage in fraudulent activities undermine consumer confidence and endanger public safety," said Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi. "Our office is committed to aggressively prosecuting those who exploit and deceive buyers, ensuring that justice is served, and that the integrity of the marketplace is upheld."
The investigation also revealed that Nesheiwat previously had New York dealer applications denied because of unpaid civil penalties stemming from prior unlicensed sales. Officials say he posted bail and is on electronic monitoring, while Parker and Livesay were released under probational supervision.
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