A former co-owner of auto service contract seller US Fidelis has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison.
Cory Atkinson of Lake St. Louis, Mo., was sentenced Tuesday in St. Louis. He pleaded guilty in June to federal fraud and tax evasion charges. He also faces sentencing Sept. 28 on state charges of insurance fraud, consumer fraud and stealing.
In addition to the 40-month sentence, U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry ordered Atkinson to pay $4.5 million in back taxes.
His brother, Darain Atkinson pleaded guilty to similar charges. He faces federal sentencing on Sept. 25 and state sentencing on Oct. 1.
Authorities say the now-defunct US Fidelis misled consumers about what was covered by warranties, lied about affiliation with automakers and dealers, and used other deceptive practices.
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