SAN ANTONIO (AP) - A car dealer from the Dallas area has been convicted over his role in a so-called “title washing” scheme.

A federal jury in San Antonio on Wednesday afternoon found 49-year-old Jerry Edward Weaver of Rowlett guilty of two counts of mail fraud. Investigators say Weaver knowingly received, by mail, two fraudulent Texas vehicle titles.

Weaver faces up to 20 years in prison on each count. Sentencing has been set for Jan. 9.

Five co-defendants earlier pleaded guilty in the scam that prosecutors say went back to mid-2009 and involved more than 600 fraudulent titles.

Title washing involves changing documents to conceal information, such as a previous salvaged title or a financial lienholder. A vehicle that has a non-repairable or parts-only history can only be utilized for parts or scrap metal.

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