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85 °F Forecast | Road Cams Tuesday, July 20, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend July 12, 2004 Dealer indicted in repaired boat sale Theft charges allege he sold a boat as new that had been wrecked By JACK MORAN Mail Tribune A Medford boat dealer faces felony theft charges relating to the sale of a craft that police say was wrecked, then repaired and sold as new. The case against Michael Warren Zoller, 36, of the 3200 block of Auburn Way, has prompted Jackson County sheriff’s officials to urge boat buyers to do their homework before making a purchase. "This area really is a hub for aluminum jet boats," said sheriff’s Capt. Joe Puckett. "People are buying boats right now, and our concern is for the consumer. "We just want people to be careful, so they don’t end up getting ripped off." Zoller, owner of Performance Marine in Medford, was indicted by a Jackson County grand jury on charges of aggravated first-degree theft and several misdemeanor violations dealing with the alteration of serial numbers. He was booked into jail then released following a Jackson County Circuit Court appearance earlier this month. Advertisement Sheriff’s investigators worked six months on the case after receiving an anonymous phone call from a person who said Zoller had used false paperwork to sell a boat that was repaired after being wrecked in California, Jackson County marine deputy Tom Turk said. The caller provided investigators with the boat’s serial number, and when deputies located the craft in Curry County, they knew immediately that something was not right. "The numbers didn’t jibe," Turk said. "Once a serial number is assigned to a boat, it doesn’t change." Turk said similar cases pop up from time to time, adding that he is certain most boat dealers do not participate in taking old boats and selling them as new. He said boat buyers can avoid being taken by a dishonest dealer if they obtain warranty information for engines and other equipment parts, and make sure all identifying numbers match. "The best advice is to be a savvy buyer," Turk said. "If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Anyone with questions about a boat purchase or inspection can contact the sheriff’s marine division at 826-5548. Reach reporter Jack Moran at 776-4459, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times