MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A FOX13 investigation into suspected odometer fraud led to the arrest of Westley Mitchell and a warrant for Christopher Smith, according to court records.
Maria Alcala, a pregnant mother from Nutbush, told FOX13 on May 19, “I don’t want anybody else going through this.” Her trouble began when she and her husband searched for a larger vehicle.
On May 6, Alcala found a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban on Facebook Marketplace listed with 138,000 miles. The couple visited a business on New Getwell Road, where the odometer read 140,900 miles. They paid $9,200 to Westley Mitchell, authorities said.
Mitchell claimed the vehicle’s title and bill of sale were at 2191 Airways Boulevard with “Chris Smith.” Troopers say that address does not exist. The couple then visited 2199 Airways Boulevard, home to Everybody Auto LLC, owned by Christopher Smith.
Though the couple signed for the vehicle, officials found Smith failed to disclose the true sale price, listing it at $5,000 instead of $9,200. The bill of sale also inaccurately stated the sale took place in Arkansas. Both documents listed the mileage as 222,694 — over 80,000 miles higher than the odometer reading.
After leaving the dealership, Alcala noticed the mileage mismatch and contacted Mitchell, who said he replaced the engine but later stopped responding when mechanical issues arose.
A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper confirmed the vehicle still had its original engine and no temporary tag was applied.
This is not the first time Smith and Everybody Auto LLC have faced such allegations. In 2022, they were investigated for similar odometer fraud, title jumping, and fraudulent charges.
Smith faces charges including two counts of forgery, altering or forging vehicle titles or plates, and deceptive business practices. Mitchell is wanted on charges of theft of property ranging from $1,000 to $60,000.
