Puyallup car dealer had license revoked. Now AG accuses manager of stealing tax money

Stanley J. Stevens, the ex-manager of Puyallup Truck & RV Sales, has been charged with felony theft for allegedly keeping over $131,000 in retail sales taxes intended for the Department of Revenue. Operating from 2019 to 2022, Stevens reportedly funneled vehicle sales funds into bank accounts controlled by him and his wife, while the dealership grossly underreported its revenue. Following an audit by the Department of Revenue, the Attorney General’s Office launched an investigation in 2021, which included interviews with more than 30 customers who often found vehicles on platforms like Craigslist. The dealership was permanently closed in 2022 after its license was revoked due to numerous regulatory violations.

The investigation revealed that a staggering $1,897,460 was deposited into Stevens' and his wife's accounts, while only $27,000 was reported to the state. Many customers were misled into paying a higher sales tax than the local rate. A summons has been issued for Stevens to appear for arraignment on January 31, 2025. The case highlights significant issues surrounding regulatory compliance in the used car sales industry in Puyallup.