Sarasota business owner arrested for title fraud

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Specialty Cars of Sarasota business owner Marcella Gilliland for applying for and obtaining titles for vehicles that did not belong to her.

Deputies were initially contacted by the owner of another business, Christopher Zlamal of Florida Pony Cars, who claimed that Gilliland stole titles to a 1965 Ford Thunderbird and a 1955 Chevy Nomad. An investigation into the allegations confirmed that Florida Pony Cars had purchased both vehicles. Gilliland was told not to transfer the titles to her company, but she proceeded to do so without proof of ownership.

Gilliland is charged with four counts of Uttering Forged Instruments for certifying on two title applications that she was the lawful owner and for signing two VIN verifivation affidavits when she didn't actually verfiy the VIN numbers on the vehicles. She is additionally charged with two counts of Title Fraud for knowingly obtaining certificates of title on vehicles that she did not own.