Salesman Sentenced in Used-Car Fraud
- Share via
A Placentia used-car salesman was sentenced Monday to 6 1/2 years in prison for tampering with odometer readings and then fleeing the state after a jury found him guilty of the fraud.
Leslie Barnett, 52, who operated Placentia-based His and Hers Automart, was convicted in 1994 of rolling back the odometers on more than 900 cars, causing car buyers to overpay by about $4.5 million, according to the Justice Department.
A jury in Santa Ana found Barnett guilty, but he failed to surrender and remained a fugitive for 4 1/2 years. He was arrested in December 1998 in Florida.
As part of Barnett’s sentence, U.S. District Judge Gary Taylor also ordered him to pay a $10,000 fine and $54,974 in restitution to two auto dealers. Barnett’s attorney could not be reached for comment.
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
