Everyone knows the stress of car shopping. For many people, choosing the right model and trying to get the price that they feel is reasonable are not the only challenges when buying the perfect car. Many people also have to worry about their ability to secure appropriate financing to finalize the deal. One car dealer in the Chicago area who had previously been accused of fraud based on alleged attempts to secure loans for his customers now faces additional claims of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot and may find himself mounting a homicide defense.
According to reports, the car dealer has been accused of falsifying bank statements so his customers could obtain a loan to purchase a car. After his initial arrest, he made bond and was released. However, according to allegations made by the police, he engaged in further criminal activity.
Police claim the man suspected that one of his family members had helped authorities in the investigation against him. In retaliation for the suspected wrong, he allegedly discussed a plan to have his uncle murdered. According to reports, he then met with an undercover police officer and gave him information about his uncle’s location. Authorities claim the man later changed his mind regarding the plot.
As a result of his supposed involvement in the murder plot, he was returned to prison, where he will remain without bond and is likely preparing a homicide defense in addition to answering the fraud accusations. Despite the claims of authorities against the man, he is considered innocent until proven guilty. Chicago area prosecutors will have to prove that the man accused of fraud and violent crimes accusations is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, a high standard set to ensure that innocent people aren’t mistakenly convicted.
Source: Belleville News Democrat, CHICAGO: Auto dealer accused of fraud named in murder plot, No author, Nov. 13, 2013