Modesto man arraigned in alleged auto dealership fraud

A Modesto man on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to federal charges in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud the auto dealership where he worked, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento reported.

Scott Allen Pieracci, 54, was arraigned Tuesday and was released on his own recognizance. The defendant earlier in the day had surrendered to federal authorities.

On June 25, a federal grand jury issued a 16-count indictment against Pieracci on wire fraud charges.

Pieracci worked as an auto parts manager at the Modesto dealership. A news release from federal prosecutors didn’t indicate which dealership.

The defendant’s duties included purchasing parts, matching purchase orders with delivered items, approving invoices for payment, scheduling deliveries, supervising department employees and delivery drivers, and overseeing the dealership’s inventory management and control system.

From 2002 through 2011, Pieracci placed a series of orders for parts to suppliers out of state. Federal prosecutors said Pieracci had the dealership to pay for the parts upon delivery, but thereafter deleted the parts from the dealership’s electronic inventory to conceal the purchases.

The prosecutors also said that Pieracci kept some of the parts for himself and sold many of the parts for his personal gain.

If convicted, Pieracci faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 4:51 PM with the headline "Modesto man arraigned in alleged auto dealership fraud."