A former Texas hot rod shop owner has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after authorities closed the book on a years-long fraud scheme that affected dozens of classic car owners across the state, in what prosecutors call one of the largest classic car theft investigations the region has ever handled.
Deposits Taken, Work Never Done
Richard Thomas Finley, former owner of Classic American Street Rods, was sentenced Tuesday following his conviction on felony theft charges. The shop operated in the San Leon-Bacliff area of Texas, roughly 40 miles southeast of Houston, where customers entrusted Finley with prized vehicles for restomod engine conversions that were never completed.
According to the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, Finley advertised modern engine installations for classic cars and required large deposits before starting any work. Investigators later determined that while payments were collected, little to no work was actually performed on many of the vehicles, with customers reporting months or even years of delays without meaningful progress or updates.
$498,000 Stolen From 72 Victims
The case escalated once the Galveston County Auto Crimes Task Force launched an investigation into mounting complaints. Authorities determined Finley stole more than $498,000 from 72 victims between 2018 and 2023. Prosecutors also alleged that Finley removed parts from customer vehicles stored at his shop and sold them to other buyers without the owners’ knowledge.
During a week-long jury trial, 28 victims testified about their experiences, many describing being misled repeatedly about their vehicles’ status after paying significant upfront costs. Investigators concluded the fraud went beyond financial losses, leaving customers without access to their vehicles and, in some cases, missing irreplaceable parts entirely.
The Verdict and Sentence
On Dec. 19, a jury found Finley guilty of felony theft exceeding $300,000. On Jan. 6, Jeth Jones, judge of the 122nd District Court, handed down the 60-year prison sentence and ordered Finley to pay $495,678.65 in restitution to his victims.
A Silver Lining for Some Victims
Amid the extensive losses, authorities reported one bright spot: more than 20 classic cars were recovered during the investigation and returned to their rightful owners, offering some measure of closure to victims who had feared their vehicles were gone for good.
The case stands as a cautionary tale within the collector car community, underscoring just how important due diligence is when entrusting rare and valuable vehicles to a restoration shop.