Car Dealer Accused of Ripping Off Customer

The Branford owner of a Hamden car dealership was arrested Monday for allegedly selling a high-end car on consignment and stiffing the owner of the proceeds.

David Taylor, 52, of 34 Lantern View Dr., Branford, who owns Brenardo Motors at 2575 State St., Hamden, was charged with first-degree larceny, first-degree forgery and misapplication of property.

On Monday, police received a report from a person who said he had brought his 2005 BMW to the car dealer to sell, Hamden police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith said. Taylor agreed to sell the car for a fee, Smith said.

Two days after the person brought the car to Taylor, it sold for $40,000, Smith said.

"Taylor allegedly deposited the proceeds of the sale into his bank account," Smith said. "Furthermore, he allegedly refrained from paying the seller his share from the sale, as well as failed to pay-off the sellers loan.

"In addition, Taylor provided the individual who purchased the vehicle with a falsified Connecticut registration," Smith said. "Taylor could not properly register the vehicle because he didn’t pay the existing car loan; thus, didn’t have access to the title."

Det. Brian Stewart investigated the incident and submitted a warrant application to the court for Taylor’s arrest, which was approved, Smith said. On Monday officers arrested Taylor at his business, he said.

Taylor was released on a written promise to appear in Meriden Superior Court on June 18.

According to the State of Connecticut Judicial website, Taylor is a defendent in several civil cases, including two where he is being sued by United Auto Credit Corporation. In both those cases, a Superior Court judge issued an order of default last month when Taylor failed to appear in court.

The town of Hamden also foreclosed on a property owned by Taylor and Bernardo Motors in 2009.

Bernardo Motors has an "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau and has had 13 complaints filed against it since 2009.