The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arrested a Chattanooga man for Odometer Fraud on Wednesday.
THP-CID investigators received a tip that the suspect attempted to sell a 1999 Honda Accord on Craigslist.com, where the vehicle mileage had been altered. The advertisement stated there were 54,000 miles on the vehicle. However, upon the initial investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle had accrued over 200,000 miles.
Investigators posed as potential buyers and met with the suspect, 28-year old Robert Brandon Malone. After a series of inquiries, they determined Malone was the suspect who allegedly tampered with the vehicle's odometer. He was arrested and charged with odometer fraud and driving on a suspended license.
Malone was transported to the Hamilton County Jail.
“Our job is to aggressively pursue any attempts of theft or fraud across the state. The Internet is a common source for thieves to pursue innocent victims. We just want to remind citizens to be wary of purchases, especially of automobiles, from the Internet,” THP Sgt. Matthew Minter said.