Former Fresno-Area Auto Dealer Facing Federal Charges of Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

FRESNO, Calif. — Scott Radtke, 56, of Clovis, was arraigned today on a nine-count indictment charging him with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, Radtke owned California Motoring Company, a car dealership in Clovis. Beginning as early as January 1, 2016, and continuing through June 2017, Radtke executed a scheme to defraud banks. When customers wanted to buy vehicles that Radtke’s dealership did not have in its inventory, Radtke offered customers the opportunity to buy them from other dealerships. Radtke received up-front payments from the customers or their banks, but did not give that money to the other dealerships. Instead, he spent it on business and personal expenses. Radtke then signed the customers’ names on sale documents and loan applications, which led banks to issue loans without the customers’ knowledge or authorization. Radtke’s actions involved at least 48 vehicles and over $2 million in fraudulently obtained goods and funds.

This case is the product of an investigation by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Clovis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Tierney is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Radtke faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.