PHILADELPHIA, PA — Edward Scott Rock, 47, of Philadelphia, has been arrested and indicted on charges of mail and wire fraud, according to an announcement made by United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Rock is accused of orchestrating a non-delivery sales scheme involving approximately 120 purchasers, many of whom were seniors or people with disabilities.
The indictment alleges that from 2019 to 2023, Rock obtained used vehicles from automobile auctions and advertised them for sale online. The majority of these vehicles were equipped for wheelchair users or individuals with disabilities. Despite accepting payments and signing bills of sale, Rock allegedly failed to deliver the vehicles.
The alleged scheme spanned across 36 states, reportedly causing losses exceeding $2.5 million. Approximately two-thirds of the alleged victims were either over the age of 65, had a physical or mobility disability, or were businesses that provided transportation services to these groups.
In some instances, it is alleged that Rock sold the same vehicle to multiple customers. After agreeing on sale terms and receiving payment, Rock continued to list, sell, and accept payment for that same vehicle from new buyers. In one instance, it is alleged that Rock sold a wheelchair-accessible 2017 Ford T150 van to 13 different buyers over an 11-month period, collecting over $260,000 for the same vehicle. Despite these transactions, Rock only delivered the vehicle to one buyer and failed to deliver it to the other 12 who had also paid for it.
If convicted, Rock could face a maximum sentence of 170 years in prison, a five-year period of supervised release, a fine of $2,750,000, and restitution and forfeiture.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department, Major Crimes, Auto Squad, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Samuel S. Dalke is prosecuting the case.
As always, it’s important to remember that an indictment is only an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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