Former auto dealer gets probation
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
YAKIMA – Former auto dealer Mark W. Gilbert was sentenced Tuesday to three years’ probation in U.S. District Court in Yakima. In March, Gilbert pleaded guilty to one count of fraud in connection with an identification document or authentication feature. The document was associated with Gilbert purchasing a home in Hawaii in 2014.
In a response to the government sentencing memorandum filed July 17 by Gilbert’s attorney, Colin Prince, the Hawaii property has officially been sold. The closing proceeds were distributed through escrow, and the loan has been paid in full.
“The entirety of the offense is simple,” Prince added. “Mr. Gilbert gave a false asset statement to the bank to ensure rapid approval of the loan. That is it. All the mortgage payments were made, and the loan was paid off – as was always intended.”
During Tuesday’s sentencing hearing, Judge Stanley A. Bastian asked questions regarding the sale of the house and the equity. Government Counsel Brian Donovan indicated the government has received $363,000.
As part of his sentencing, Gilbert must not open, possess, use, or otherwise have access to any checking account, ATM card, or credit card, without advance approval. He must also provide access to any requested financial information and authorize the release of any financial information. Gilbert is also prohibited from incurring any new debt, opening additional lines of credit, or entering into any financial contracts, without advance approval.
This case endured several delays. In November 2022, the judge refused to honor an earlier plea agreement, so Gilbert requested the guilty plea he entered withdrawn and the case against him be returned to trial track and that proceedings continue.
In April 2022, when Gilbert originally pleaded guilty to the charge of fraud, federal prosecutors dismissed all other charges including bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and making a false declaration in relation to a bankruptcy case as part of the plea agreement.
Gilbert is the former owner of a chain of auto dealerships in College Place, Moses Lake and Walla Walla, Washington; Milton-Freewater and Pendleton, Oregon; and Moscow, Idaho.
File photo
