OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA
Sharon L. Potter
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Fawn E. Thomas, Public Affairs Specialist
August 22, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elkins Resident Charged in Odometer Fraud Indictment
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA — A 37 year old Elkins, West Virginia, resident was named in an Indictment returned on August 21, 2007, by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Elkins, West Virginia.
United States Attorney Sharon L. Potter announced that WILLIAM B. WITEK was named in a four-count Indictment. Counts One and Two of the Indictment allege that WITEK replaced odometers of two vehicles which he owned, with the intent to defraud on September 27, 2002, and in October 2005, in Randolph County. Counts Three and Four of the Indictment allege that WITEK transferred ownership of two vehicles with the intent to defraud by making false statements in written disclosures to the transferees on March 14, 2006, and September 26, 2006.
If convicted, WITEK faces a maximum exposure of three years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 on each count of the Indictment.
It should be noted that the charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and not evidence of guilt, and that each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen D. Warner. The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police.