Gainesville, GA – Nine people have been indicted and arrested following a six-month investigation into an alleged North Georgia vehicle title fraud scheme that investigators say generated more than $1 million over several years.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the investigation began in June 2025 after authorities identified suspicious title activity linked to Brandy Marie Pitts, 46, of Lavonia, and Susan Faye Palencia, 61, of Homer. Investigators allege the two women operated multiple limited liability companies out of office space in Gainesville and worked with local auto dealerships to facilitate fraudulent vehicle registrations.
Officials say dealerships allegedly sold older, high-mileage vehicles at inflated prices to unlicensed buyers who were unable to legally register the vehicles themselves. Sales personnel then allegedly referred those buyers to Pitts and Palencia, who charged hundreds of dollars to register the vehicles under corporate names they controlled.
According to investigators, customers were also urged to obtain insurance through America Insurance Agency, a company owned by Pitts and Palencia. Authorities say hundreds of vehicles were registered through the companies, allowing the suspects to allegedly operate as unlicensed dealers while avoiding proper taxes and fees.
The Hall County District Attorney’s Office indicted nine suspects in December 2025 on charges including violations of Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Arrest orders were issued December 19, 2025, and all suspects were booked into the Hall County Jail.
Those charged include Pitts, Palencia, Manuel Rene Alvarez of Gainesville, Curtis Allen Livingston of Suwanee, Scott Wedford Norris of Marietta, Maria D. Escamilla of Flowery Branch, Vianney Garcia Guerrero of Buford, Lindsey Ngu of Gainesville, and Juan Camilo Sardi of Gainesville.
All suspects, except Ngu, have posted bond and were released. Ngu remains in custody on a drug court hold.
Authorities credited multiple local, state, and federal agencies for assisting with the investigation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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