May 25, 2013
Officials say they have uncovered a loan scheme in connection with a car dealership in Beaufort County. Investigators say they have arrested Steven Keith Griffin, owner of Griffin's Car and Truck Center on West Fifth Street in Washington and a dealership employee, James Boyd. Griffin is accused of conspiracy to obtain property under false pretenses. Boyd faces that charge also, as well as eight counts of obtaining property under false pretenses. Investigators say Boyd and two other people helped buyers obtain loans they were not qualified for by falsifying automobile loan documents in 2002 and 2003. The names of the two other people indicted in this case have not been released. The State Bureau of Investigation financial crimes unit looked into the case, upon the request of the District Attorney's office.
