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Former local used car dealer facing federal charges

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Posted at 11:14 AM, Nov 27, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-27 12:14:26-05

A former used car salesman has been indicted on 15 counts of fraud. According to a news release from U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, the federal grand jury returned an indictment on Tuesday against 37-year-old John M. Solberg of Green Bay.

Solberg is accused of seeking out people selling their cars on Craigslist and convincing them to turn over their vehicles to be sold on consignment. Authorities accuse Solberg of then selling the vehicles without approval and without notifying the owners of the sale. Solberg then allegedly created counterfeit vehicle titles, allowing the vehicle buyer to believe they “owned the vehicle free and clear of any liens," the news release says.

Solberg is alleged to have operated, directed and supervised dealerships under the names “Backwoods Bargains,” “Standard Pre-Owned,” “Suamico Investment Group,” and “Bella Investments, LLC” at locations in Suamico and Kaukauna.

If convicted, Solberg could face decades in prison and a potential million dollars in fines.