Four individuals, including three former employees of vehicle and driver license offices, have admitted to fraudulently registering motor vehicles in Missouri. Gary Wilds, 48, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to charges including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements.
Former contract license office employees Ashlyn Graeff, Megan Leone, and Michelle Boyer also entered guilty pleas for their roles in the scheme. Graeff admitted to making false statements; Leone confessed to conspiracy and making a false statement; Boyer acknowledged conspiracy charges.
Wilds operated Pinnacle Concierge, a business that assisted customers with vehicle registration through the Missouri Department of Revenue. He bribed license office employees to falsely certify that vehicles passed inspections and that owners met tax and insurance requirements. Some customers were aware of the fraudulent activities due to issues like emissions test failures or outstanding child support.
The illegal activities date back as early as 2015 when Boyer began assisting Wilds at a licensing office. Leone started collaborating with Wilds before 2017 after joining a St. Charles County licensing office as a title clerk. She later instructed Graeff to process fraudulent registrations for Wilds, who paid her $100 per transaction.
Graeff's actions resulted in an $84,154 loss of state tax revenue. She was sentenced in July 2024 to four years probation and ordered to pay restitution. Leone is set for sentencing on July 24, Boyer on August 21, while Wilds will be sentenced on September 2.
Conspiracy and wire fraud charges carry penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment or fines up to $250,000 each. Making false statements can result in up to five years imprisonment or similar fines. Aggravated identity theft charges are punishable by two years imprisonment consecutive to other sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the Missouri Department of Revenue and the FBI with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry prosecuting the case.
