Car Xpress on Shorter Ave in Rome was raided by Department of Revenue and Rome City Police officials on Thursday following allegations that the dealer falsified documents and tax payments. According to Nick Genesi, with the State Department of Revenue, local officials contacted the agency with concerns about the amount of taxes that have been paid on vehicles. Officials said that the search warrant was issued to find information to support claims that not only were the proper taxes not being paid but the bills of sale were also being altered.
Reports said that the operators of the business would alter the bill of sale to show the customer brought in a trade in. As a result the bill of sale would be lower and the business would pocket the difference. State law says that when someone purchases a car they must pay 7 percent of the fair market value.
Genesi said that at least $100,000 had been pocketed in the scheme.
No arrests have yet to be made.