Family accused of running fraudulent auto buys, sales scheme

ANADARKO — Investigators believe it’s about “crime in the family” for a father, his 19-year-old son and juvenile daughter-in-law being accused of an intricate plot involving fraudulent automobile purchases and sales.

The investigation began Aug. 13 when Apache police arrested Zachary Bailey at his father’s home for a felony arrest warrant out of Oklahoma County for two counts of obtaining property by trick, deception or false representation.

At the time of the arrest, a Toyota Camry with a Texas tag was discovered at the home. It did not come back as a stolen vehicle but was legally owned by another man, the probable cause affidavit states. There wasn’t enough evidence to impound the car, however.

Teen’s background discovered

Apache Police Officer Ben Lehew stated he knew the younger Bailey has a history of fraud and likened him to Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in the movie “Catch Me If You Can.” Investigators learned of allegations he’d tricked his way into falsely impersonating a physician’s assistant and of obtaining expensive housing, vehicles, jewelry and electronics while a juvenile in Texas.

Zachary Bailey later pleaded guilty and received a deferred sentence with terms that he earn his high school diploma or GED, abide by a curfew and complete court ordered classes, court documents disclose.

Texas police discovered Zachary Bailey earlier this year while he was driving an older surplus police unit and found him to be in possession of a bullet proof vest, duty belt, ammunition and a homemade gun with no serial number, otherwise known as a “ghost” gun, according to Apache police. Investigators believe that Bailey was preparing to impersonate a peace officer when the items were discovered.

Father and wife’s involvement revealed

When Zachary Bailey was jailed, his father contacted the Toyota’s owner and asked about its title. Lehew stated, it appeared Phillip Bailey and his son’s juvenile wife were becoming active participants in the effort to obtaining and knowingly conceal the car from its owner.

Investigators learned the Baileys were attempting to sell the car to a man in Ohio to raise money for Zachary Bailey’s bond.

Lehew stated the Camry was bought by Zachary Bailey on Aug. 8 through a Facebook Messenger transaction. Toyota Financial flagged the sale as problematic by the Internal Fraud Department, the affidavit states. Investigators learned the juvenile wife and Phillip Bailey were also involved with Zachary Bailey for another vehicle transaction in April. Toyota Financial later confirmed both purchases were fraudulent.

Investigators uncover more potential fraud

Investigators spoke with the new owner who said he’d paid $10,000 cash for the car. He also admitted to investigators he’d disabled the GPS before driving it to a parking lot in Indianapolis, Ind., on Aug. 20, and leaving it with the doors left unlocked and keys inside, so he ”could not be tied to it,” Lehew stated. The car was recovered Sept. 3 in Richmond, Ind.

The man told police he’d paid $3,500 for the car knowing it didn’t have a clear title and that money was still owed on its lien. He said the car was to be parted out and sold by a friend. This part of the investigation was referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation due to the interstate transportation of stolen vehicles and the operation of an interstate “chop shop” operation, records indicate. 

Jailhouse calls reveal plot

Lehew stated while Zachary Bailey was in the Caddo County jail he was giving directions to his wife and father as to how to carry out the Camry sale, including crying and talking of dire circumstances causing the need for the money. The phone calls were recorded.

On Aug. 13, Zachary Bailey told his wife and father to hurry and get him out of jail “before the rest of this hits,” indicating there are potentially still undiscovered victims because of these schemes, according to the investigator.