Local auto dealer Joe Blackwell charged with mail, wire, bank fraud

By Gregg Romero Wendorf

Longtime local auto dealer Joe Blackwell, age 69, was taken into federal custody last week and charged with 25 felony counts that include eight counts of mail fraud, 16 counts of wire fraud, and one count of bank fraud. He’s currently free on bail after posting a $50,000 unsecured (un-collateralized) bond, and is awaiting trial, currently scheduled approximately two months from now. Blackwell’s attorney of record is District 40 state representative Terry Canales.
For a car dealer, one conviction of wire fraud may carry a 20-year maximum sentence.

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