Odometer tampering would be a felony under proposed new law after ANF investigation

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Anyone who deliberately alters the odometer on a vehicle or falsifies the odometer reading on a vehicle’s title would be guilty of a felony, according to a bill unanimously passed Wednesday by state House lawmakers.

Currently, anyone accused of altering a vehicle’s odometer can only be charged with a misdemeanor. Senate Bill 293 would change that, as well as stipulating felony charges for knowingly falsifying the odometer reading on a certificate of title and making “any false statement in any certificate of title application as to the date a vehicle was sold or acquired or as to the date of creation of a security interest or lien.”

State Rep. John Corbett, R-Lake Park, brought the bill before the House chamber. Corbett, who chairs the House motor vehicles committee, cited an Atlanta News First investigation in which a metro Atlanta used car dealer surrendered to police following allegations of odometer fraud, false advertising, and failure to produce business records.

The Atlanta News First investigation began after Shadayja Johnson and her mother, Latrice Johnson, purchased a 2013 Honda Ridgeline from Dennis Lewis, owner of DeDe Auto Brokers in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, for $6,400. The Facebook Marketplace listing advertised 153,000 miles, but a Carfax report revealed the truck had 232,000 miles.

But the ad did not include the vehicle identification number (VIN), which could have revealed its history. The night of the purchase, a check engine light illuminated. The next day, a mechanic confirmed the truck needed two new catalytic converters.

Latrice Johnson contacted Lewis, who directed them to his mechanic. At the second mechanic, the family received more troubling news. The mechanic confirmed the engine problem and pulled a Carfax report showing 285,000 miles, more than 130,000 miles higher than advertised.

The Carfax report showed the dealership that originally sold the truck had serviced it regularly until it was sold at auction with 285,000 miles.

Latrice Johnson said Lewis eventually agreed to refund the $6,400 purchase price.

The Atlanta News First investigation revealed Lewis and dozens of other brokers operate from a Peachtree Corners office building. Although city zoning prohibits cars from being kept there, vehicles advertised online were found parked outside and rotated around nearby lots.

The Honda Ridgeline Shadayja Johnson had purchased was found a week later in a bowling alley parking lot, relisted on Facebook Marketplace with 152,000 miles.

An investigation comparing Facebook Marketplace ads to cars parked throughout the office complex revealed significant findings. Out of nine cars checked, six vehicles had substantial mileage discrepancies, with some exceeding 100,000 miles. One Lexus SUV listed at 155,000 miles had 232,000 miles logged on Carfax. A Honda Pilot listed at 145,000 miles showed 325,000 miles on Carfax.

The Atlanta News First investigation also found several vehicles with mileage discrepancies at DeDe Auto Brokers, including a 2006 Lexus RX advertised at 155,000 miles but showing 232,000 miles on its Carfax report.

Gwinnett County police began investigating after the Atlanta News First investigation aired, with customers who had filed police reports alleging odometer fraud being contacted.

An arrest warrant was issued for Lewis on charges of false advertising, odometer fraud and withholding business records. He turned himself in on the misdemeanor charges in January 2026. He has not been found guilty of any crime and. according to court records, a trial date has not been set.

Atlanta News First Investigates has reached out to Lewis multiple times since his arrest. He has not responded. If SB 293 is signed into law, it would not impact previous misdemeanor cases like Lewis’.

Buyer protection tips

Experts recommend several precautions when buying used cars:

• Request the vehicle identification number if not listed.
• Obtain an auto history report.
• Check emissions testing records when available.
• Have a mechanic scan the computer for problems.

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