By Shawn Henry 
A Gwinnett County auto dealer turned himself in to police last week after an investigation uncovered allegations that vehicles sold through his dealership had their mileage misrepresented. Dennis Lewis, owner of DeDe Auto Brokers in Peachtree Corners, surrendered to authorities following an arrest warrant tied to alleged odometer fraud, false advertising, and failure to produce business records connected to the dealership’s sales activity.
The case began when a local buyer and her mother purchased a 2013 Honda Ridgeline listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The truck was advertised with 153,000 miles and sold for $6,400. Shortly after the purchase, the buyers obtained a vehicle history report showing the truck had previously recorded 232,000 miles, creating a large discrepancy between the advertised mileage and the vehicle’s documented history.
The situation escalated almost immediately after the purchase. On the second day of ownership, the buyer brought the Ridgeline to a mechanic after the check engine light illuminated. During the inspection, the mechanic identified two faulty catalytic converters and began reviewing the vehicle’s history. When the buyer explained the truck had been purchased the previous day, the mechanic pointed out the mileage inconsistency shown in historical records. Confronted with the discrepancy, the family demanded a refund from Lewis and received their money back.
The incident drew further attention when a television news investigation examined additional vehicles listed by DeDe Auto Brokers. That review identified multiple vehicles with potential mileage inconsistencies. One example involved a 2006 Lexus RX that had been advertised with 155,000 miles despite vehicle history records showing the SUV had previously registered 232,000 miles. The findings raised concerns that the mileage issues were not limited to a single vehicle.
Following the broadcast of that investigation, Gwinnett County Police Detective Toran Huff opened a formal inquiry into the dealership. Investigators began contacting customers who had already filed police reports related to suspected odometer fraud connected to vehicles purchased from the business. According to the investigation, several buyers reported discovering discrepancies between the mileage shown on their vehicles’ odometers and the mileage documented in vehicle history records after completing their purchases.
During the investigation, police examined whether buyers had been informed about potential odometer rollbacks before completing their transactions. Investigators reported that none of the customers they interviewed indicated that any rollback or mileage discrepancy had been disclosed during the sales process. That absence of disclosure became a significant factor in the criminal investigation.
Authorities also requested business documentation from Lewis that could clarify the history of the vehicles sold through the dealership. Police said the dealer was given two months to produce sales records and other business documents tied to the transactions under review. Investigators reported that the requested records were never provided despite multiple notices.
Another customer, identified as Groneman, discovered the potential issue with his vehicle after noticing that the temporary tag on his purchase had expired. While searching for information about the dealership, he encountered the investigative report outlining suspected mileage discrepancies tied to vehicles sold by DeDe Auto Brokers. He then recognized his own car in the report, triggering further concern about the accuracy of the vehicle’s mileage.
After realizing the vehicle he purchased was connected to the investigation, Groneman filed a police report with Gwinnett County authorities. Investigators reviewed the information gathered from multiple buyers and determined there was enough evidence to pursue criminal charges. Based on that evidence, police obtained an arrest warrant accusing Lewis of odometer fraud, false advertising, and failure to produce business records connected to the dealership’s operations.
Police said Lewis later offered Groneman a refund for the vehicle. The buyer declined the offer and chose to keep the car. Instead of returning the vehicle, he continued cooperating with investigators and pursuing the case through the legal process. The buyer indicated he wanted the investigation to move forward to help prevent other customers from facing similar issues when purchasing vehicles.
Cases involving odometer fraud can carry serious legal consequences because vehicle mileage plays a major role in determining value, reliability expectations, and maintenance schedules. When mileage is misrepresented, buyers can unknowingly pay inflated prices or inherit vehicles that require significant repairs much sooner than expected. Law enforcement agencies treat such cases as financial fraud because the altered mileage can mislead consumers about a vehicle’s true condition and lifespan.
Authorities say the investigation also highlighted the importance of documentation in used vehicle sales. Dealers are required to maintain records tied to vehicle purchases and sales, including information about mileage disclosures. When investigators cannot obtain those records during a fraud investigation, it can become an additional criminal issue separate from the alleged fraudulent activity itself.
Consumer protection specialists regularly warn that odometer fraud continues to surface in the used car market, particularly when vehicles are sold through online marketplaces where buyers may have limited information about the seller’s history. Even when a vehicle appears to be a strong value, investigators say buyers should confirm mileage and service history before completing a purchase.
Experts recommend several basic precautions for buyers considering used vehicles. Requesting the vehicle identification number allows potential buyers to run independent vehicle history reports. Reviewing emissions inspection records can reveal past mileage entries that may not match the odometer reading. Having a mechanic scan the vehicle’s computer system can also uncover stored mileage data and identify mechanical problems before money changes hands.
Those steps can provide additional verification when evaluating listings that appear unusually inexpensive for the mileage claimed. Buyers who take time to verify vehicle history before completing a purchase often avoid the kind of costly surprises that triggered the Gwinnett County investigation.
Lewis surrendered to police following the issuance of the arrest warrant tied to the investigation. Gwinnett County jail officials have not confirmed whether he has posted bond as the case moves forward through the court system. Authorities indicated the investigation remains active as they review additional sales connected to the dealership and determine whether further charges could be filed.
Source
