Car Salesman Found Guilty

Former Auburn car dealer Darryl G. Rivernider pleaded no contest Friday in a Central Florida courtroom to multiple fraud charges. All of which can land him in jail for decades. According to the Assistant State Attorney, Celeste Gagne, Rivernider was found guilty of nine felonies and five misdemeanors in connection with scamming 16 people.

The Florida judge spared him from state prison but placed him on probation for four years. Rivernider was also ordered not to participate in any commercial vehicle sales in Florida. In 2005, he was also banned from selling cars in Massachusetts.

Before his conviction, Rivernider sold cars in Auburn at Riverside Mitsubishi. From this car dealership, Rivernider sold many vehicles without titles, previously wrecked salvaged vehicles that buyers could not register or drive.

Past affidavits reveal Rivernider sold wrecked vehicles or cars that were hit by floodwaters. When buying cars from him, buyers did not know about the bent frames, no titles and faulty electrical systems. Many found out the hard way.

The judge ordered Rivernider to make restitution to the victims and did not send him to prison. Rivernider's heart condition was also cited by the judge as a reason not to be sent to prison. However, if he deviates from his probation, the judge stated Rivernider will go straight to jail.

As of now, Rivernider has paid $34,000 to several victims. He is scheduled to pay another $10,000 in the near future.