Trans Am Museum - Rick McLaughlin UPDATE!

[lumarkhood10th]

A quick update on the saga of scamster Rick McLaughlin aka Trans Am Museum in West Virginia.

Rick was an upstanding member of the classic car community for years and years.  His dealership specialized in low mile, original examples of every classic Trans Am produced.  Sadly, about 4-5 years ago, Rick used his goodwill and reputation and began to scam people.  It included every form of deception available  Forged titles, fake documents, fake pictures, rebodied cars...the list is endless.

In the end, there were over 30 victims, myself included, from all walks of life and various experience levels in purchasing classic cars.  Ben Kenion, a fellow victim, led the criminal/legal push against Rick.  Months and months of time finally enabled the Feds to get involved. 

This morning, in a Dept. of Justice courtroom in the Southern District of West Virginia, Rick McLaughlin was sentenced to 8 years in prison (no chance for parole), and ordered to pay $1.2 million is restitution to the victims.  Thank heavens!

Finally, justice is served.

[firebirdparts]

Thanks for keeping us posted.  I hope people get their money back, but I know that is a struggle.

[ryeguy2006a]

Good on you all for fighting the good fight. Who knows how many more victims he could have scammed if you hadn't spoken up.

[5th T/A]

Kudos to you and those who helped put Rick McLaughlin away. I don’t understand the thought process of people who defraud others. Don’t they ever think they’ll get caught?

[Jack]

Thanks for keeping us posted.  I hope people get their money back, but I know that is a struggle.

I always wonder how much of the judgment actually goes to the victims... I'm guessing not much and often there is no money left to go around.

[tajoe]

You're so right. You know the legal system needs to get their 75%.

[b_hill_86]

Thanks for keeping us posted.  I hope people get their money back, but I know that is a struggle.

I always wonder how much of the judgment actually goes to the victims... I'm guessing not much and often there is no money left to go around.

You're so right. You know the legal system needs to get their 75%.

Maybe things are different elsewhere but where I live,  a judgement would be referring to a civil case. Criminal cases may result in a convicted suspect being sentenced to pay restitution in addition to fines and/or jail time. Two completely different things.

[lumarkhood10th]

The $1.2 million is court mandated restitution to the victims.  Whatever gets paid to the court is then disbursed proportionately to the victims.

After sentencing, a very low 6 figure amount was paid to the court...so the victims will at least get something.