Classic Car Shop Owner Sentenced to 60 Years in Galveston for $498K Theft and Fraud Scheme
GALVESTON COUNTY, TX – 50-year-old Richard Thomas Finley was sentenced on January 6, 2026, to 60 years in prison for operating a large-scale theft and fraud scheme out of his custom car restoration business, Classic American Street Rods, located in the San Leon–Bacliff area.
The sentence followed a December jury trial in which Finley was found guilty of felony theft greater than $300,000. Evidence presented at trial showed that from 2018 through 2023, Finley stole more than $498,000 from customers who trusted him to restore their classic vehicles.
According to investigators with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the Galveston County Auto Crimes Task Force, Finley advertised “engine swaps” that promised to replace classic car engines with modern, more reliable alternatives. Victims testified that Finley required large upfront payments to begin work, but months and even years passed without progress or updates.
As complaints mounted, Detective Dona Bouse and other investigators uncovered a pattern of deception involving at least 72 victims. More than 20 classic vehicles were recovered by law enforcement and returned to their rightful owners. Investigators also determined that Finley removed parts and engines from customers’ vehicles and sold those stolen components to unsuspecting buyers, while never completing the promised work.
During the week-long trial that began December 15, prosecutors called 28 victims to testify. Each described similar experiences of financial loss, repeated false assurances, and vehicles left untouched or stripped of parts. The jury returned a guilty verdict on December 19.
Finley chose to have the court determine his sentence. Judge Jeth Jones of the 122nd District Court imposed a 60-year prison sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Shawn Connally and Assistant District Attorney Brock Yates with the Galveston County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors commended the Galveston County Auto Crimes Task Force and Detective Dona Bouse for their extensive investigation and work on behalf of the victims.
