News Summary
Pablo Beato, a 53-year-old from Providence, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for his involvement in an odometer tampering scheme affecting 42 vehicles. He must also pay $150,000 in restitution and will serve 15 years of probation after his release. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat vehicle fraud and protect consumers from deceptive trade practices.
Providence—Pablo Beato Sentenced for Odometer Tampering
Pablo Beato, a 53-year-old resident of Providence, was sentenced to 15 months in prison on July 28, 2025, for his involvement in an odometer tampering scheme that affected 42 vehicles sold between 2018 and 2021. After serving time in the Adult Correctional Institutions, Beato will also be subject to 15 years of probation.
As part of his sentence, Beato has been ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution over the span of 15 years. He pleaded nolo contendere to three charges: conspiracy to tamper with odometers, conspiracy to obtain money under false pretenses, and conspiracy to commit forgery.
Investigation and Discovery
The Attorney General’s Office reported that the investigation against Beato initiated in early 2020 following multiple complaints to the State Police regarding forged title certificates connected to the Division of Motor Vehicles. During the investigation, detectives inspected various title certificates and noted damage to security features, which indicated alterations designed to reflect artificially lower mileage on the vehicles.
Beato owned and operated P.B. Auto Repair & Import, LLC, located on Cranston Street in Providence, where the fraudulent sales were conducted. On February 17, 2020, State Police alerted Beato that he lacked the necessary licensing to sell automobiles in Rhode Island. The following day, investigators observed that the dealership appeared shut down, with all cars removed from display.
Subsequent Operations
Following the closure of his dealership, Beato resumed his car sales operations from his home on Kenwood Street in Providence. Investigators discovered evidence indicating that Beato was advertising and selling vehicles through social media platforms like Facebook and Craigslist.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Alongside Beato, two other individuals, Bersania Bencosme and Eddy Bencosme Diaz, are also facing charges related to this scheme. Both are currently awaiting trial, and the Attorney General’s Office has prepared to present overwhelming evidence had the case proceeded to trial.
Consumer Protection Focus
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha highlighted the importance of prosecuting deceptive trade practices to safeguard consumers from fraudulent activities. This case illustrates a commitment to ensuring that the public is protected against exploitation in the marketplace, especially concerning significant purchases like automobiles.
Summary of Charges and Penalty
Beato’s three charges stemmed from his collaboration in tampering with odometers, misleading buyers, and producing counterfeit documents. His active role in the scheme caused financial harm to various consumers and violated state laws designed to protect vehicle buyers.
The sentencing of Pablo Beato marks a critical step in holding perpetrators of fraudulent schemes accountable and reinforcing the legal framework aimed at preventing such deceptive practices. The case serves as a reminder of the essential tools in place to combat fraud within the automotive sales industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pablo Beato Sentenced for Odometer Tampering Scheme
Additional Resources
- WPRI: Providence Man Sentenced for Odometer Tampering
- ABC6: Providence Car Dealer Sentenced for Odometer Rollback
- Providence Journal: RI Man Sent to Prison for Selling Cars with Rolled-Back Odometers
- Wikipedia: Odometer
- Turn to 10: Odometer Fraud Continues to Climb
- Google Search: Odometer Fraud
