Fraud of the Week
Auto fraud – Tennessee
Amount – Unknown
A deli owner and a sheriff's office employee worked to have an inmate released on bail so that the inmate could steal the deli owner's Bentley so the owner could collect the insurance money. The sheriff office's fleet manager worked to get the inmate released out on bond so that the inmate could steal the deli owner's Bentley Continental.
The deli owner pleaded guilty and will be sentenced to four years of probation, with a hearing to determine if he will receive judicial diversion.
The sheriff office's fleet manager pleaded guilty to official misconduct, resigned his position and will serve two years of probation.
On the night of the theft the fleet manager texted the deli owner "tonight" and the deli owner left the keys in the vehicle so the inmate could steal the vehicle. The inmate was later caught speeding in the vehicle.