Ohio Dealer Indicted for Odometer Fraud, Business Closed

Simon Nwaru Jr., former owner of S. Automotive Ltd. in Whitehall, Ohio, has been federally indicted on eight counts of odometer fraud for allegedly rolling back the mileage on at least eight vehicles by 80,000 to 100,000 miles before selling them between November 2020 and May 2022. The U.S. Attorney's Office and multiple consumer reviews allege that Nwaru Jr. knowingly altered odometers to mislead buyers about vehicle usage. Odometer fraud, a federal crime, is punishable by up to three years in prison per count. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates more than $1 billion in annual consumer losses from odometer fraud, affecting over 450,000 cars every year. S. Automotive Ltd. has been permanently closed as a result of the investigation. Authorities urge consumers to report suspected odometer fraud to federal agencies.