Ex-controller charged in W.Pa. car dealer fraud

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Federal prosecutors in Pittsburgh say the former controller of a suburban Acura dealership stole an unspecified amount of money through fraudulent record keeping and bank transfers and used the money to buy four homes, 10 vehicles, stocks, and dozens of pieces of gold, jewels and furniture for herself and relatives..

Patricia K. Smith, who formerly worked at Baierl Acura in Wexford, did not immediately return a call today, nor did her attorney.

Prosecutors say they can’t comment on how much Smith allegedly stole until the Cranberry Township woman appears in court Jan. 10 to plead guilty or no contest to the charges.

But the seven-page criminal information charging her, and a 13-page attachment listing items the government intends to seize, detail items worth well in excess of $1 million.