Philadelphia Car Dealer Indicted For Fraudulent Sales Scheme
by AutoExpert | 27 December, 2023
Edward Scott Rock, a Philadelphia car dealer, faces federal charges for orchestrating a non-delivery sales scheme involving around 120 individuals across 36 states.
The Department of Justice alleges that Rock, between 2019 and 2023, purchased vehicles, listed them online, and, after receiving payment, failed to deliver as promised.
Federal prosecutors claim that Rock sold the same 2017 Ford van to 13 customers, causing complications even when he eventually delivered the vehicle. Notably, about two-thirds of the victims were individuals with disabilities, those over 65, or businesses serving these populations. One victim, David Sodermann of Boho Camper Vans, wired $25,000 to Rock for two vans that never arrived.
Although Rock eventually refunded the money after legal intervention, the process took nearly two years. If convicted, Rock could face a 170-year prison sentence, five years of supervised release, a $2,750,000 fine, and restitution and forfeiture.
