Jonathan Edward Tudor Faces Felony Counts After Allegedly Posing as an Executive
Prosecutors say 40 people lost thousands of dollars in a luxury car scheme orchestrated by a West Hollywood man now under arrest.
Jonathan Edward Tudor, 64, was arrested July 29 at his home after victims reported paying him large sums for BMW vehicles that never arrived, according to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office. Deputies found him sitting in his own BMW when they took him into custody around 6:00 a.m.
Investigators allege Tudor posed as a BMW executive and promised buyers new vehicles at deep discounts. One woman told authorities she gave him nearly $14,000 for a car that never materialized. At least four complaints have been confirmed in Santa Barbara County, though officials believe more victims may exist.
The felony complaint charges Tudor with 44 counts, including grand theft, securities fraud, theft from an elder, forgery, witness dissuasion, and money laundering. Prosecutors have also added an aggravated white-collar crime enhancement, which could increase penalties if he is convicted.
Tudor appeared in Santa Barbara Superior Court on July 31, where his arraignment was continued to Aug. 4. He remains held without bail at the county jail. Senior Deputy District Attorney Brian Cota is prosecuting the case and will face a preliminary hearing on August 24.
District Attorney John Savrnoch encouraged anyone who believes they may have been targeted to contact Detective Kiesow of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office at (805) 681-4150.
Authorities noted that Tudor holds dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom.
