Findlay auto salesman is indicted on fraud counts

8/10/2004

A Findlay auto salesman has been indicted in U.S. District Court on charges of misusing money paid to him by customers toward auto leases.

Three counts of wire and bank fraud were filed last week against John Settlemier, 41, in U.S. District Court in Toledo. The indictment capped a yearlong investigation into Mr. Settlemier's vehicle financing and subleasing business. It was led by assistant U.S. attorney Thomas Karol.

The indictment alleges that Mr. Settlemier misappropriated funds provided to pay off car leases and submitted fraudulent documents to obtain vehicle financing. He has been an auto salesman for 22 years.