Owensboro Police Department officials said that Discount Motors owner Eddie Howard and salesman Donald Adams are facing fraud charges for allegedly rolling back odometers prior to reselling vehicles, with the crimes potentially dating back to 2019. They also face trafficking charges after oxycodone pills, a large sum of cash, and firearms were found at the business.
OPD Deputy Chief of Police JD Winkler held media conference about the incident, which Owensboro Times live streamed here.
According to a release, the Owensboro Police Department received information in February 2023 that Discount Motors was involved in rolling back the odometers.
A joint investigation was conducted by the OPD Traffic Unit and federal and state partners.
The investigation led police to determine that Howard and Adams acted together in utilizing electronic devices to commit multiple acts of fraud, officials said.
On April 13 a search warrant at the business resulted in the seizure of approximately $350,000 in cash, three firearms, in excess of 100 oxycodone pills, two vehicles, and electronic devices utilized to perpetrate fraud.
Howard, 63, and Adams, 60, were both arrested and lodged at the Daviess County Detention Center on the following charges:
• Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 1st Offense (Greater than or equal to 10 Dosage Units Drug Unspecified) (Firearm Enhancement)
• Tampering with Motor Vehicle/Motor Home Odometer (20 counts)
• Prescription Controlled Substance Not Proper Container 1st Offense
Howard has previously been charged with the following:
• Assault 4th Degree – Domestic Violence – No Visible Injury
• Business/Employee Fail to Return, or Falsely Return, or Failure to Pay Taxes with Intent to Evade Tax
Adams has previously been charged with the following:
• Criminal Abuse 2nd Degree – Child 12 or Under
• Assault 4th Degree
• Criminal Trespassing 3rd Degree (2 Counts)
• Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree
“Members of the Owensboro Police Department are committed to working with our Federal and State partners to protect the most vulnerable members of our community,” officials said in a release. “The Owensboro Police Department is continuing to work on this investigation and believes there are additional victims in our community.”
If you believe you are a victim or have additional information, call OPD at 270-687-8888, or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 270-687-8484.
