Second man arrested in odometer fraud

OTHELLO - A second man has been arrested in connection with an odometer fraud case.

Terry Ryan Cissne, 49, of Pasco, was arrested Thursday, April 4, and booked into the Franklin County Jail on charges of second-degree theft and driving under the influence. Additional charges are expected to be filed in connection with the odometer fraud case out of Adams County.

Cissne is the second to be arrested in the case being investigated by the Adams County Sheriff's Office deputies.

Reynaldo "Rey" Valdez Garza Jr., 52, of Othello, was booked into the same jail March 5 for second-degree deception and disconnecting, resetting or reversing odometers.

According to the arrest records, Cissne was arrested after deputies from both Adams and Franklin County identified "an illegal large-scale vehicle sales operation located at a residence within Franklin County."

During the investigation, deputies determined Cissne was selling vehicles with fraudulent odometer readers.

Searching through sales records showing odometer readings, investigators determined the odometer's had been altered to deceive buyers.

With a search warrant in hand, deputies raided Cissne's operation and arrested him, records show. Investigators also linked his activities to those of Garza.

"By pooling resources and expertise, authorities are making significant strides in dismantling unlawful operations that exploit consumers through deceptive practices," Sheriff Dale Wagner reported on social media, noting the case is not yet over.

"The investigation into the illegal vehicle sales establishment remains ongoing," he said. "Law enforcement is diligently compiling evidence and pursuing leads to identify additional individuals involved in the fraudulent scheme."

Wagner said car-buyers should do their homework.

"Consumers are encouraged to verify vehicle histories through reputable sources and exercise caution when dealing with private sellers or unlicensed dealerships," he said.