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UPDATE: Former Car Dealer Pleads Guilty in Federal Court Save Email Print
Posted: 11:06 AM Mar 3, 2008
 Last Updated: 1:07 AM Mar 4, 2008
 Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
31 comments
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A former Huntington area car dealer has pleaded guilty to federal charges in US District Court in Huntington

The trial for Fred Davis was expected to begin Monday, instead Davis pleaded guilty to one count of Bank Fraud and 1 count of Money Laundering.

Davis who owned Davis Chrysler Plymouth Jeep Eagle was indicted in 2006 for his role in what federal prosecutors called a complex fraud scheme. They say Davis stole 6 million dollars from BB&T as part of that scheme.

That original 38 count indictment included 1-count of Bank Fraud, 20-counts of Wire Fraud, and 17-counts of Money Laundering.

He sold the business in 2003.

Davis will be sentenced in June. He faces 40 years in prison and could pay restitution of 15 million dollars.
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Posted by: annonymous on Mar 9, 2008 at 01:11 PM
While I don't agree with Mr. Davis' actions, I do ask that we all pray for his family, especially his two innocent daughters. Not only are they probably reading comments on this blog about their father, but they are suffering with embarassment and surely a change in lifestyle coming their way.
Posted by: BOB T on Mar 8, 2008 at 10:31 AM
GOOD LUCK MAN-IT WILL WORK OUT
Posted by: Bill on Mar 6, 2008 at 11:31 PM
In response to Anonymous...the questions Dave Benton asked were appropriate. Fred Davis pleaded guilty to bank and wire fraud. Dave's first question asked if Davis wanted to make a comment. His attorney would not let Davis answer, so, Benton continued his peppering of questions, which included: "Did you think you'd get away with it?" "Why did you do it to begin with?" "Is there anybody you'd like to apologize to?" It appeared to me those questions were very poignant and questions I and viewers would have asked. Get over yourself, you're obviously a family member or close friend of his. He had 3 chances to answer the reporter.. but kept silent... which speaks volumes of his guilt.
Posted by: Bob on Mar 6, 2008 at 09:50 AM
wendy bill, You turned down $40,000 for a used truck. If Fred Davis is "stupid", it's the pot calling the kettle black. Is there a spelling book in your glove compartment of your truck, by the way.
Posted by: windy bill on Mar 5, 2008 at 08:30 PM
one time i went to this dealer and he offered me $40,000 for my dodge dulley and i told him i wouldn't sell my faulse teeth that i keep in the glove box for that. he must be stupid i am glad he got caugth " i love peanut butter and crackers"
Posted by: Melinda on Mar 5, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I love to hear that word restitution. Because everyone who breaks the law has to pay it but if someone violates you in a crime and has restitution they don't have to pay you. Everyone is getting worse about crime because of our politicians their getting raises and not doing anything and the working class get very little, no insurance, and no retirement. So once they figure out a scheme they keep doing it for more money. Look at Jack Whittaker for example. And the many others having drugs in their homes and doing things they are not suppose to. Its because of how this state doesn't offer anyone anything positive. This is why everyone goes out of state. Except the ones who can't.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 4, 2008 at 10:37 PM
being in the car business I know banks audit you monthly and he was dealing with bb&t for YEARS. Can't tell me they didn't have a clue to how the money was being used... They probably saw he was in a rough situation and decided to cut their loses... Fred took no more "risks" than others... He is not running cause he is not a thief
Posted by: scott on Mar 4, 2008 at 08:14 PM
I would give alot of money to Marshal and many community improvments if the money was not mine. Glad he was able to get people on his side to support him but the money went somewhere? Did he earn it or was the money that he did good with belong to others? There should be more people involved. Will be good to see what comes out of this.
Posted by: Jackie on Mar 4, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Anybody can be a person of any community when you steal 6 million dollars,Big hint he knew what was going on He plead Guilty.
Posted by: Roger on Mar 4, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Multi-million dollar homes, Lear jets,...That doesn't sound to me like someone who didn't know what was going on or where it was coming from. BTW... Good job Dave Benton, good to see somebody who's not afraid to ask the hard questions. Sometimes the expression on one's face when asked says far more than any response.
Posted by: Mike W. on Mar 4, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Fred Davis's history in the community is exceptional, that cannot be disputed. Yes he did commit a crime. If it was such a complex scheme, who else is involved. Surely there were other parties involved helping. How can a bank lose that much without some sort of "check and balances." Is our money safe? Was there an insider at this bank? Who was in with him with the real estate scheme? Yes it is easy to blame one man, who admitted guilt, but who is in hiding? Will those who investigated Fred Davis allow us to know the other parties?
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 4, 2008 at 04:26 PM
There are ALOT of Huntington businessmen that need to serve some time in prison. They are all a bunch of thieves. They donate to the community to make themselves out to be upstanding members of the community... Didnt any of you all watch American Gangster?? Get real. That house up there on Route 2 wasnt built on kindness and generosity. Also, dont cry when your mortgage gets forclosed on, because the bank cant afford to carry your loan, you can thank Mr. Davis and all of his scamming friends and hundreds of other ones just like him for RIPPING OFF THE BANKS.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 4, 2008 at 03:09 PM
correction to Anonymous, It is WHO YOU KNOW....
Posted by: anonymous on Mar 4, 2008 at 01:02 PM
I think everyone that is singing Fred 's praises should remember that he did plead guilty to bank fraud and money laundering I don't think you would be so kind if it was your money he stole...don't be so kind just because he remebered your name or bought you a drink at a local bar or gave you a bonus check at work he is two faced.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 4, 2008 at 12:27 PM
So because he was "wonderful" man he doesn't deserve to be punished. What a ignorant thing to say. A lot of people with nice families commit crimes. He should have thought of his "family" on the way to bank.
Posted by: anonhunt on Mar 4, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Yeah, he's a pillar of the community. yada yada yada
Posted by: anonymous on Mar 4, 2008 at 09:37 AM
What's that old saying Those Who Live In Glass Houses Should Not Throw Stones. Those of you who want to judge someone based on facts that you see in the media, need to think twice before commenting. I know Fred very well, and those of you that have been "screwed by him" need to think if he even knew about it. He is a great person and he shouldn't be judged by a public that have done worse in their lives. Concentrate on the people that are out there abusing children and killing people and forget about someone that you don't know anything about. Dave Benton, can I add that the questions that you asked were rude and innapropriate.
Posted by: anon on Mar 4, 2008 at 09:00 AM
I think most of you slamming Mr. Davis would be surprised to know this sort of thing happens all the time to business owners. He just got caught. He is a kind and generous man....a family man....and was successful. He got caught up in the business world and was too busy to oversee every single thing that was going on around him. I think it is natural that people would love this story....jealous people will sit and wait for someone successful to fail in some way. He was a Huntington supporter, a Marshall supporter....and a friend to many. I met him many times and he did not seem like he was a shady man at all. He has a wonderful wife and gorgeous, sweet daughters. I hope Mr. Davis finds his way out of this and just gets out of this area for the sake of himself, his future, and his family.
Posted by: Wayne Co. on Mar 4, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Fred is a wonderful, wonderful man. So sorry this had to happen to him and his family. If you didn't know him, please don't be on here bashing him.
Posted by: SOME on Mar 4, 2008 at 07:22 AM
CANT HE DO THE TIME HE DID THE CRIME,HE STILL HAS TO FACE UP TO JESUS ON JUDGEMENT DAY??????
Posted by: rhodes on Mar 4, 2008 at 07:06 AM
was an employee for Fred Davis, one heck of a person to work for.He supported Marshall University,was a man of the community, as well as helping alot of people and organizations in this area. So before slamming this person, get the facts right. I too was an employee.. and I second this!
Posted by: Dave W. on Mar 4, 2008 at 06:32 AM
It's about time Fred Davis gets what he deserves I hope they give him the whole 40 years I know him well enough to know that if he did anything for the community or any organization or individual it was for his own personal gain or to feed his huge ego and if you think any different he fooled you to !!!
Posted by: Junior on Mar 3, 2008 at 08:04 PM
He could still run for and probably get elected to the job of Sheriff of Wayne Co. Them Wayne Countians will vote for anybody!
Posted by: laney on Mar 3, 2008 at 06:24 PM
I was an employee for Fred Davis, one heck of a person to work for.He supported Marshall University,was a man of the community, as well as helping alot of people and organizations in this area. So before slamming this person, get the facts right.
Posted by: Cindy on Mar 3, 2008 at 03:36 PM
And he is walking around free when others are jailed for a $30.00 returned check...
Posted by: CHRISTINA on Mar 3, 2008 at 03:18 PM
It doesn't suprise me about this. I once had my car towed to this dealership for a repair. They charged me $10 more for the towing than the tow company charged. The only way I found out was when I called the tow company to get a separate receipt.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 3, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Is this a misprint? He had all those charges and pleaded to two counts total? WOW!!!!!! That's crazy! I am not sure how you can be charged with over 70 counts a plead guilty to two of them! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: pat on Mar 3, 2008 at 02:53 PM
fred davis needs to go to jail for a very long time. i was one of his employee's and he screwed me over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: BIRDEYE on Mar 3, 2008 at 02:10 PM
JUST SHOWS WHO TOOO TRUST?
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 3, 2008 at 12:58 PM
I bet he never spends the first night in prison! Its not who you know....
Posted by: Barney on Mar 3, 2008 at 12:50 PM
First Zain, now Davis. At least Fred Flintstone never let us down.
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