This example shows how a former independent dealer was the perpetrator of a fraud scheme, rather than a victim.

A news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California indicated Scott Radtke, of Clovis, Calif., was sentenced last week to four-and-a-half years in prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, Radtke owned California Motoring Co., a dealership in Clovis. Beginning as early as Jan. 1, 2016, and continuing through June 2017, officials said Radtke executed a scheme to defraud banks.

When customers wanted to buy vehicles that Radtke’s dealership did not have in its inventory, officials said Radtke offered customers the opportunity to buy them from other dealerships. Radtke received up-front payments from the customers or their banks but did not give that money to the other dealerships, according to court documents.

Instead, officials said Radtke spent it on business and personal expenses. Radtke then signed the customers’ names on sale documents and loan applications, which led banks to issue loans without the customers’ knowledge or authorization.

Law enforcement said Radtke’s actions involved at least 48 vehicles and more than $2 million in fraudulently obtained goods and funds.

Radtke was ordered to surrender himself on March 10 to begin serving his sentence.