CLEVELAND, Ohio — Five men, including a Cleveland resident, are facing federal charges in a multi-state car title fraud scheme that defrauded auto dealers of over $500,000, according to a federal indictment.
Tevin Howard of Cleveland, along with Terrance Fletcher, Amont Johnson, Christopher Alexander, and Donald Rush Jr., all of Detroit, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Prosecutors allege the group created fake vehicle documents to fraudulently obtain legitimate titles from the South Carolina Bureau of Motor Vehicles. These “clean” titles were then used to deceive auto dealers in Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Arizona into paying for cars—many of which were never delivered or were stolen.
How the Scam Worked
The indictment describes the use of a method known as “lien washing”, where scammers exploit South Carolina’s lenient title requirements for out-of-state residents. Applicants only need to submit a bill of sale, a signed form declaring no lien, and a small fee—no inspection or lien verification is required.
Using faked Michigan titles, the group obtained fraudulent South Carolina titles that appeared legitimate, prosecutors said.
Widespread Impact
Between December 2022 and June 2024, the group targeted at least four dealerships and a private buyer in Warren, Michigan. Among the victims:
MH 3 Cars in Beachwood, Ohio, which unknowingly sold stolen or fraudulently titled vehicles including a 2016 Dodge Durango and a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado.
A Wisconsin dealer who paid $31,000 for a 2019 Audi Q8.
A Tempe, Arizona dealer who paid $78,000 for two vehicles.
A Texas dealer in Rowlett who paid $241,000 for six vehicles—but received only one, a stolen 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn.
A Warren, Michigan man who bought a 2021 GMC Yukon for $47,000.
Court records indicate that once buyers became suspicious or discovered the vehicles were stolen, Terrance Fletcher attempted to reassure them or offer more fraudulent deals instead of advising them to go to authorities.
Arrests and Legal Status
Christopher Alexander pleaded not guilty and was released on a $10,000 bond. The remaining suspects, including Howard, are scheduled for arraignment through September 9. As of now, they do not have legal representation listed.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation began in August 2023, when the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles noticed irregularities in titles connected to MH 3 Cars.
Prosecutors warn that the fraud could involve more stolen vehicles or additional victims, as the group was organized and operated under false identities, including Fletcher posing as “Mark Jones.”
