PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County deputies arrested a car salesman Friday after he allegedly prevented a customer from reclaiming a car he brought in for repairs.
Authorities noted the key for the 2014 silver Toyota 4-Runner was not returned to the dealership and alleged that the salesman gave an incorrect number for the customer to reach a mechanic.
Patrick Terrel Sylver, 60, has been charged with one count each of grand theft of motor vehicle and scheme to defraud more than $20,000.
Sylver, a North Port resident, has also been charged with violating probation on a previous conviction for vehicle theft.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported vehicle theft allegation in June, when a man alleged that Sylver was preventing him from reclaiming a vehicle.
He alleged she had previously purchased the car from a Port Charlotte-based dealership, with Sylver being the salesman who sold it to begin with.
The customer brought the vehicle back for repairs in February, but was told the dealership was unable to complete the job. Sylver, however, suggested he could bring it to a mechanic with the necessary expertise.