Alleged illegal auto dealer arrested

ALMA, Nebraska -- An Alma man is arrested and 23 vehicles seized in an investigation into an illegal auto dealership in Alma.

Just after 11: 30 a.m., Wednesday, August 7, the Nebraska State Patrol, in conjunction with the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, and the Harlan County Attorney, served both a search warrant and an arrest warrant at the High Plains Claims Company, 904 Brown Street in Alma.

The warrant service followed a nearly month long investigation into the operation of an automotive dealership without a license by Max Siegel, 53, Alma. A total of 36 vehicles were inventoried, with authorities seizing 23 vehicles from the property to include, cars, pickups, SUV'S and motorcycles. Motor vehicle titles, financial records and currency were also seized.

Siegel was arrested and lodged in the Harlan County Jail on a charge of operating an unauthorized auto dealership.