East Providence Car Dealer Charged with Using Fraudulent Documents to Renew Dealership License

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – The owner of Hot Rides Auto Sales has been charged with providing fraudulent documents to a state agency when attempting to renew his dealership license, according to Rhode Island State Police Major Dennis Fleming, Detective Commander.

Kenneth A. Andrade, 52, of 2 Pawtucket Ave., Bristol, was arrested Feb. 23 and charged with forgery and counterfeiting, a felony, and providing a false document to a public official, a misdemeanor, Major Fleming said.

Andrade, owner of Hot Rides Auto Sales, 30 Veterans memorial Parkway, East Providence, allegedly submitted a fraudulent retail tax permit and a fraudulent “letter of good standing” as part of his request to renew his Motor Vehicle Dealer’s License through the state Division of Motor Vehicles, Major Fleming said. The Dealer’s License Investigator suspected irregularities in the documents and notified state police.

Based on an investigation by the State Police Automobile Theft & Insurance Fraud Unit, detectives obtained a warrant for Andrade’s arrest, Major Fleming said. He was arrested on Feb. 23 and was arraigned in Third District Court. He was released on personal recognizance, pending further court action.