Boat theft leads to Second Hand Boat Dealer

by IBI News on 5 May 2006 A Florida boat dealership was raided by the Seminole County Sheriff's office and two boats were seized by deputies, according to a story in the Seminole County News. The Sheriff's office raided Aquamarine USA Inc. yesterday, and drove away with two boats they believe were stolen.

The Sanford dealership, which bills itself as having the 'largest selection of pre-owned boats' in Florida, was also raided in January 2003, and owner Earl Marion Smith Jr. was arrested on charges of fraud to obtain property worth more than US$50,000 and grand theft by scheme to defraud. He is currently awaiting trial on one count of grand theft of US$100,000 or more.

Officials told the paper that they have received complaints about boats being sold without titles or without the proper amount of money going to boat owners.