Visalia Classic Car Restorer Sentenced for Financial Crimes
On Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Department 5 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Joseph Kalashian sentenced Wayne House, Jr., of Visalia, to 20 years suspended state prison, one year in jail, and monthly restitution which will be determined at a hearing on June 28. On April 9, 2018, House pleaded no contest to all 32 felony counts of grand theft charged against him. House also pleaded no contest to special allegations of aggravated white collar crime of taking over $150,000.
Between April 2008 and October 2010, House, a local classic car restorer, took deposits for restoration work on over 32 vehicles but performed little to no work on the vehicles. House promised some vehicle owners that their vehicles would be featured on a restoration reality television show, of which the sponsors would subsidize a portion of the restoration costs. However, no such show was contracted to film and produce a show with House, nor had any sponsors provided parts for the cars.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Rajesh Chabra and investigated by Officer Brian Young of the Visalia Police Department and Investigator Donald Deeds ofthe District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494