Former Car Salesman Accused of Defrauding Customers
Introduction to the Case
A former car salesman, Emil Conrad Parker, 67, has been accused of running a scheme that defrauded more than a dozen customers out of thousands of dollars while working at a Houston-area Kia dealership. According to Harris County court records, Parker has been charged with theft — aggregate and is currently wanted by authorities.
The Scheme
Between August 2024 and February 2025, Parker allegedly stole a total of $68,700 from 14 victims who believed they were making cash down payments toward vehicles. Court documents state that Parker told customers he could help fix their bad credit through a Kia “credit repair program.” He allegedly collected cash down payments and later requested more money for taxes, title, and registration fees, promising to complete their vehicle purchases once the process was finalized.
The Aftermath
Instead, investigators said Parker stopped responding to the victims, and no vehicles were ever delivered. This left the customers without the vehicles they thought they were purchasing and out of thousands of dollars. The victims were likely left feeling deceived and betrayed by Parker’s actions.
Parker’s History
Court records show that Parker was already out on bond for two similar cases, one for theft and another for unauthorized use of a vehicle, both connected to his employment at the same dealership. In one case, a dealership manager reportedly told a victim that Parker had been fired for stealing from customers. Parker also has previous convictions for theft and escape, according to court documents.
Call to Action
Anyone with information on Parker’s whereabouts is urged to contact Houston police or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477). This could help bring Parker to justice and prevent him from defrauding any more customers.
Conclusion
The case of Emil Conrad Parker serves as a reminder to be cautious when making large purchases, especially when dealing with individuals who may have a history of dishonest behavior. It is essential to do thorough research and due diligence before handing over money, especially for significant purchases like vehicles. By being aware of potential scams and taking necessary precautions, consumers can protect themselves from falling victim to schemes like the one allegedly perpetrated by Parker.
