Published: September 04, 2008 12:00 am            

Man accused of truck embezzlement scam

A Norman man has been charged with embezzlement for allegedly taking a truck valued at more than $16,000 from a local leasing company and not returning it.

Christopher Anthony French, 44, Norman, was charged Thursday in Cleveland County District Court.

According to police, French went to Marc Heitz Chevrolet on Jan. 4, said his vehicle was being towed in for service work and that he'd need a loaner. French was referred to Enterprise Leasing, 103 Merkle Drive, where he allegedly leased a silver 2007 Dodge pickup. French said he didn't have a credit card, and arranged for the cost to be added to his bill at Marc Heitz, police said.

French failed to return the truck, and the service department at the dealership said his vehicle was never delivered for service work. Investigators believe there never was a damaged vehicle, and said charges are pending against French for allegedly perpetrating a similar scam at another dealership.

Other felonies filed Thursday include:

· Derek Cole Moss, 19, Norman, unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous drug;

· Etelevina Adame Nixon, 43, Holdenville, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle;

· Garon D. Hardwick, 18, Oklahoma City, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; second degree burglary (residential);

· Christopher Robert Trevino, 22, Moore, unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; unlawfully maintaining a dwelling house used to keep or sell a controlled dangerous substance; unlawful possession of drug proceeds;

· Aaron James Cervantes, 19, Moore, unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; unlawfully maintaining a dwelling house used to keep or sell a controlled dangerous substance; unlawful possession of drug proceeds.

        

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