DMV investigators say successful car broker business is a fraud

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- At California Motoring Company the lights were on, but Scott Radtke did not answer the door, but he had a change of heart after we left.

His attorney advised him not to talk- but he insisted there is one thing he wants the community and his customers to know- "no one has ever lost a dime with us and they won't now."

The Department of Motor Vehicles says plenty of people lost money-- to date, there is 2.3 million in losses.

"We did a search warrant on six different banks and we're still trying to review those records and at this point, we're not really sure where all this money went. That's the big question of the day is where did all the money go," said Tom Wilson.

DMV investigators say for more than a year Radtke scammed customers and banks. Court records show some victims paid cash in full for cars--only to learn months later they had liens on them from other dealerships or banks.

"Once they reviewed it was determined they had paid Radtke to make that purchase but the in turn-- didn't pay the dealership the money that was owed. So the dealership initiated loans with the victims who had already paid for the vehicles," said Wilson.

Allan Dogey has known Radtke for about 20 years. He owns a woodshop across the street and has purchased cars and referred countless customers over the years. He and his friends had nothing but outstanding dealings with Radtke until recently. After a warrant was served at the business, Dogey asked him what was going on.

"I asked him what are you going to do and he said I'm still selling cars. OK-- well, it's like he's either in denial or he doesn't figure he did anything wrong," said Dogey.

At his home Friday, Radtke's wife said she was sorry, she did not want to comment. Foreclosure records show the Sanger home they own is set to be auctioned off later this month.

We asked Radtke what prompted a change in his business practices or what life circumstance led to these allegations.

"I'm sincere about wanting to make sure that everyone is taken care of in a proper and legal manner and that everybody is made whole," said Radke.