Update to Theft Alert on Florida Car - Man Arrested For Fraud and Racketeering

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Distressing news has just hit the wires that concerns a story we reported on back in October of 2012 concerning a classic car reported stolen out of Florida.  The story made national news, and many car clubs, websites and enthusiasts did their part in trying to obtain information on where the vehicle may have been taken, and in apprehending the thieves.

David Gallentine
Photo Courtesy: WNDB

Sadly, today, it is being reported that the owner, David Gallentine, has been arrested for faking the reported theft!  According to cfnews13.com, "Deputies said Gallentine had pieced together an elaborate scheme around the car to defraud his insurance company out of $70,700. But skeptical, determined investigators followed the 43-year-old man’s paper trail, gathering enough evidence to put him in jail on six charges, including racketeering and insurance fraud."

Gallentine asked his insurance agent if he could buy back parts after he collected $70,000 if the car parts were found. This was found to be suspicious and detectives on the case began to dig deeper, discovering discrepancies in Gallentine's story.  Here are some they found:

• Gallentine's lie detector test results indicated that his answers were deceptive.
• An old friend recalled Gallentine said he thought about “fake stealing” the car to make money. off insurance The car’s paperwork revealed it was not an actual 1932 Ford and used parts from numerous vehicles
• Gallentine titled the vehicle fraudulently and should have registered it as an “assembled from parts” vehicle.
• He claimed that the car was stored in an “air tight garage” which was false.
• Paperwork also indicated the car had a “new 302 Ford engine” which was false.
• Gallentine had forged an engine bill of sale - the engine was reportedly one he himself had rebuilt.
• Investigators determined he had engaged in a “pattern of racketeering activity.”

According to WNDB in Daytona Beach, Florida Gallentine is up on 6 charges stating, "Gallentine was taken into custody at his home Tuesday afternoon and charged with racketeering, passing a forged instrument, insurance fraud, filing a false statement with an insurance office, giving false information on a motor vehicle insurance application and fraudulently obtaining a motor vehicle title."

Guy Algar states, "It certainly is misfortunate that the world of classic cars has been tarnished by the actions of one man caught up in a scheme to rip off his insurance company. It makes it that much more difficult for honest and reliable owners and enthusiasts. We all suffer with higher premiums as well as tougher insurance company regulations when these wrong-doings happen. And it stings when so many good people came forward in an effort to help the guy."

For complete information on the story, I've included some links below that have more details.

REFERENCES/RESOURCES
cfnews13.com - DeLeon Springs Man Arrested for "Fake Stealing" Own Car
WNDB News 1150 - DeLeon Springs Man Arrested For Lying About Classic Car Theft

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.