The Cincinnati Enquirer

PINER - Police executed a search warrant Tuesday at the Greater Northern Kentucky Public Auto Auction on Dixie Highway in southern Kenton County, seeking evidence that owners have been cheated out of the proceeds of the sale of their vehicles.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the business owner, Pamela Puryear, on a charge of theft by deception, said Edward M. Butler, Kenton County assistant police chief.

The investigation of the business was prompted by complaints alleging vehicles had been delivered to Puryear for sale on the promise that the owners would be paid - minus a commission - after the vehicles were sold, but that the original owners didn't receive their money after the sale.

Officer Steve Amorese and Detective Rob Scroggin obtained the warrant to search for documentation that would confirm fraudulent activity, Butler said.

Puryear's whereabouts are unknown, the assistant chief said.

Her auto auction business has been operating in Kenton County for several months, and moved to the Dixie Highway location in early March. The business is at 13301 Dixie Highway, about two miles west of Piner.

Anyone who believes he or she may have been victimized is asked to contact Officer Amorese or Detective Scroggin at (859) 392-1940 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Anyone with information on Puryear's whereabouts is asked to contact the Kenton County Communications Center at (859) 356-3191.