The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles today announced that a more-than-two-year investigation has led to the arrest of three suspects accused of running an unlicensed used car dealership in Dutchess County. 

Through its investigation, DMV discovered that Raed Nesheiwat, Lakeia Parker and Marceise Livesay sold more than 150 vehicles out of a building and parking lot at 20-22 Pershing Avenue in Poughkeepsie without a legitimate dealer license. The Dutchess County Grand Jury has charged the suspects with 161 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony, 161 Counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, a Class E Felony, and 1 Count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a Class E Felony. 

After an initial arrest on September 9, Nesheiwat continued to sell vehicles using forged Florida documents, resulting in a re-arrest and additional counts of forgery and falsifying business records.

“Operating as an unlicensed auto dealer puts car buyers and everyone on the road at risk,” said DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder. “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.”

DMV discovered that Nesheiwat, Parker and Livesay purchased used vehicles at auction, then sold them to unsuspecting customers using fraudulent paperwork from four different Florida auto dealerships. DMV found the individuals had no legal connection with any of the Florida dealers, and they did not have a valid dealer license to operate in New York State. In fact, Nesheiwat has had New York dealer applications denied due to unpaid civil penalties related to unrelated unlicensed sales. 

“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.”

When a vehicle is purchased from a registered dealer in New York, there are strict laws and regulations that govern the advertisement, sale and documentation of the vehicle. A minimum warranty is applied to the vehicle, and it is also required to undergo safety and emissions inspections prior to sale to make sure it is safe for the road.

Additionally, NYS registered motor vehicle dealers are subject to oversight by the New York State DMV. If there is a problem with the sale of a vehicle or it is a lemon, the buyer can file a complaint with the DMV, which can help to resolve the issue. Registered motor vehicle dealers are also required to have a surety bond in the amount of $20,000-$100,000 depending on the size of the dealer, which the State can use as a tool to assist the customer if any restitution is owed. If the sale is not done through a registered motor vehicle dealer, the consumer loses these protections and the State’s enforcement actions are limited.

Parker and Livesay have been released to supervision of probation. Nesheiwat has posted bail and is on electronic monitoring. 

The charges against the defendants are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty.

The DMV is thankful for the assistance of New York State Police and the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, which will be prosecuting this case.