Over the course of two years, James Ratcliffe, manager of an unnamed body shop, sold off over $500,000 worth of government vehicles and parts, according to the U.S. Justice Department.
The body shop manager, situated in Virginia, stated he helped commit theft of government property and wire fraud for a total of $512,420.
Ratcliffe misappropriated 12 Chevrolet Suburbans and one Hummer along with wheels and tires for the vehicles. The wheels and tires reportedly were stolen first, with the 13 government vehicles stolen throughout 2011 to 2013.
The shop owner would keep most of the profits while cutting some to an unnamed government official who was in on the scam. The official also gave Ratcliffe a pair of government-issued Chevrolet Suburbans for his own personal use.
Ratcliffe will face up to 20 months in prison and see a fine ranging from $4,000 to $40,000. He has also agreed to pay a restitution of $416,020 and asset forfeiture of the same amount.
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