Vacaville Auto Body Owner Sentenced to Jail for Grand Theft
UPDATE: A Solano County Superior Court judge has sentenced Keith Scott Williamson, the 66-year-old owner of Winters Auto Body and Paint, to one year in county jail following his conviction on four counts of grand theft. The sentencing took place on Thursday, and Judge Jeffrey C. Kauffman has called for Williamson to return for a bail review hearing on September 9, 2023.
This urgent ruling comes after a lengthy investigation that revealed Williamson defrauded multiple customers, leading to an estimated total loss of nearly $90,000. Victims entrusted Williamson with their classic vehicles, but many of the promised restorations were never completed. The emotional toll on the victims was palpable during the hearing, with statements highlighting the deep personal significance of the vehicles lost in the fraudulent dealings.
Williamson was found guilty on August 7, after jurors heard evidence of his fraudulent activities from 2017 to 2020. Prosecutors detailed how Williamson accepted significant payments for repairs and custom work, yet left vehicles, including three Ford Mustangs and a Jeep, in disarray at his shop.
In his courtroom appearance, Williamson, dressed in a striped jail jumpsuit, was ordered to serve a year in jail and will be subject to two years of formal probation. Judge Kauffman imposed strict probation conditions, including completing 80 hours of community service, not possessing firearms, and not leaving California. Furthermore, he is barred from conducting any vehicle repair work upon his release.
Prosecutors led by Deputy District Attorney Judy Ann Ycasas emphasized Williamson’s repeated disregard for his customers, noting that he continued to accept work even after his automotive repair license was revoked. Victims expressed their frustration in the courtroom, with one victim, Kevin Hall, revealing he paid Williamson $50,000 for a restoration that never materialized. “I had hoped my daughter would drive that car to her graduation,” Hall lamented.
The judge also allowed for victim-impact statements, with emotional accounts from three individuals highlighting the personal losses endured. One victim described her vehicle as a cherished family possession, while another expressed the “pain” of broken promises throughout the restoration process.
Williamson’s legal troubles began with a criminal complaint filed in March 2020, and the case has faced numerous delays in court. As he begins his sentence, the Solano County District Attorney’s Office reassured victims that their perseverance in seeking justice has not gone unnoticed.
With a separate hearing required to address restitution for the victims, the case remains active as Williamson faces further scrutiny. Victims are hopeful for recovery, but many are left wondering about the fate of their vehicles and the financial losses they endured.
This developing story underscores the importance of consumer protection in the automotive repair industry, as authorities continue to crack down on fraudulent practices. Stay tuned for updates as the legal proceedings progress.
