3 indicted for corrupt activities at used car lot

11/11/2008

Three people associated with a West Toledo used car lot were indicted yesterday by a Lucas County grand jury on multiple tampering and corrupt activity charges.

Kevin R. Baldwin, 44, of 531 Shasta Drive; Fairie Woods, 41, whose last known address was on Upton Avenue, and Christopher McGlown, whose age is unknown, of Rockingham Street, each were charged with multiple crimes. The accusations involve vehicles sold from KB Cars LLC, 5324 Dorr St., which authorities said were tampered with, including adjustments made to the odometers.

The three also are accused of forging customers' signatures and purchase prices.

Each is charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, a charge that carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Additionally, Baldwin, whose son owns the dealership, and Ms. Woods each were charged with three counts of tampering with records and forgery as well as one count each of transferring motor vehicle with tampered or nonfunctional odometer and odometer disclosure violation. If convicted, each faces up to a total of 31 years in prison.

McGlown also was charged with three counts each of tampering with records and forgery as well as eight counts each of transferring motor vehicle with tampered or nonfunctional odometer and odometer disclosure violation.

If convicted, he faces up to 52 years in prison.

According to the indictment, the charges stem from activity between March 26, 2003, and Aug. 4, 2004. Baldwin was vice president of KB Cars. Ms. Woods was employed by the car lot as a notary, and McGlown was an unlicensed salesman who sold cars for the operation.

The investigation was conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.