Car fraud scheme defendant gets probation, community service

YOUNGSTOWN — A defendant in an automobile dealing fraud scheme has been sentenced to three years’ probation and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

Gregory A. Harvey, 37, of South East River Road, Berlin Center, drew the sentence Thursday from Judge John M. Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Harvey, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty in December to three felony counts of theft; and the prosecution dropped 24 more theft counts and 11 title offenses charged against Harvey.

If he violates the terms of his probation, Harvey will go to prison for 18 months on each theft count, the judge warned.

The judge also ordered Harvey to make restitution to victims for any losses not covered by a civil lawsuit filed by the Ohio Attorney General’s office. That suit has already obtained some restitution payments, Judge Durkin said.

“I’ll make every effort to make it right with them,” Harvey said of the victims. “I will do my best to make restitution,” he said, apologizing for his actions.

Harvey has already committed his own money to try to cover some of the victim’s losses, according to defense lawyer, Ronald Yarwood. “He has genuine remorse,” Yarwood added.

Read more in Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com