Tennessee Highway Patrol's Criminal Investigation Division Arrests Chattanooga Man on Fraud Charges

CHATTANOOGA – The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arrested Jimmy Frank Peters for odometer fraud and felony theft on Monday, March 3 in Marion County. Peters allegedly altered the mileage display on a vehicle and sold it for a higher price to an elderly Marion County man.

The victim subsequently learned the vehicle he purchased had a false odometer reading and nearly 150,000 more miles on it than the odometer displayed. However, Peters refused to refund the victims’ purchase price of $3,000.

The victim then notified authorities and, following an investigation by detectives in the Highway Patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division, Mr. Peters was arrested and charged with odometer fraud. 

“Odometer fraud is a simple way for criminals to prey on trusting individuals. The Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division takes this crime seriously and encourages the public to contact our agency or local law enforcement if there’s a suspicion of odometer fraud,” Sergeant Matthew Minter said.   

Peters, 42, was booked into the Marion County Jail. 

Booking photos may be obtained from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure that our state is a safe, secure place in which to live, work and travel; enforce the law with integrity; and provide customer-focused services professionally and efficiently.