Hays County Sheriff’s Office auto theft detectives and patrol deputies arrested Joseph Browning, 49, of unincorporated Kyle following a year-long joint investigation, led by the Texas Department of Public Safety, CID Special Investigations Section– Austin. Browning was under investigation for fraudulent sales and purchases of motor vehicles over a period spanning several years. Browning’s license to operate a motor vehicle dealership had been previously revoked, but investigators found Browning continued conducting business primarily through social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.
Browning remains in custody at the Hays County Jail, on a total bond of $1,023,000. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed…