Car Loan Case Postponed

Al Bodden’s car loan case was delayed for the third time, postponing it until April. The former Moss Point Alderman is free on bond pending the federal sentencing that is in relation to his car loan fraud is completed. He is charged with identity theft, bank fraud and witness tampering.

First he pled not guilty, then changed it to guilty of one count of bank fraud – and the feds dropped the other 12 charges even though Bodden admitted to all of them at his hearing. His sentencing is waiting on the resolution of a dispute between the federal prosecutor and his lawyer as to how much money he actually stole.

Bodden has admitted to stealing identities of former customers and getting fraudulent car loans in their names. Six auto loans were what he was originally charged with, and his attorney thinks that the value of the vehicles should be taken into account during his sentencing hearing. The reason he wants that taken into account, is because the amount will influence how much time he gets because of the amount the victim was defrauded.

The car loans were backed by tangible security, so the value of the cars should be subtracted from the amount he defrauded them, plus he has made full restitution for the auto loans. The feds want the total amount of $125,000 for the auto loans.

Bodden is no longer alderman because Mississippi state law does not allow a convicted felon to hold an elective office. He resigned upon entering his guilty plea.

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