‘Significant risk to innocent purchasers’: Florida couple busted for allegedly selling luxury cars with one major problem

A Florida couple who owned a luxury car dealership now face serious criminal charges after allegedly running a large-scale title fraud scheme. Michael Anthony Lucci, 32, and Emily Marie Lucci, 30, operated Luxury Auto Source in Davie, Florida. They allegedly falsified paperwork to get rebuilt titles for expensive vehicles.

According to Fox News, the couple faces multiple charges, including nine counts each of making false statements on bill of sale applications, possessing counterfeit vehicle titles, perjury by false written declaration, and uttering forged instruments. These charges show investigators looked closely at their business practices.

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) began investigating the business on January 21 after focusing on a 2020 Nissan GT-R. Authorities say the couple allegedly submitted fake parts invoices to the state department to obtain a certificate of title.

The alleged fraud scheme reveals troubling patterns in luxury car sales

Emily Lucci reportedly submitted documents at a local tag agency claiming the business spent over $18,000 on repairs for major components of the GT-R. However, investigators say the actual repair cost was only around $1,200. After allegedly obtaining the fraudulent title, the car was listed for sale at $94,500, nearly $40,000 more than its 2022 sale price of $55,000.

FHP investigators found eight other luxury vehicles with rebuilt Florida titles based on allegedly fake invoices. The vehicles included a 2017 Bentley listed for $63,900, a 2022 Porsche 911 priced at $187,900, a 2018 BMW M3, a 2020 Toyota Supra, and a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. Luxury vehicles often come with expensive repair bills that add up fast, making proper documentation even more critical for buyers.

The worst part of the alleged operation involved a 2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat listed for $52,900. Authorities found the Charger allegedly had multiple Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). The motor inside was traced back to a vehicle stolen from North Carolina.

An investigator wrote in arrest reports that these vehicles, which were titled through fraudulent means, “constitute contraband.” This means they can be seized and forfeited. The investigator stated these vehicles “present a significant risk to innocent purchasers, who may unknowingly buy vehicles subject to seizure and forfeiture, resulting in both the loss of the vehicle and associated funds due to their status as contraband.” 

This situation shows why buyers should always verify a vehicle’s history before purchasing, as some luxury car purchases turn into nightmares. Michael Lucci was arrested when FHP officers executed a search warrant at the business. Emily Lucci later turned herself in. Both posted $30,000 bonds and have been released.