(WNY News Now) – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Clark P. Rittersbach, 50, of Cape Coral, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Rochester, NY – Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that Rittersbach was the owner of Concours Classic Motor Cars, a company specializing in the restoration and sale of antique vehicles in Macedon, NY. It is not uncommon for such restoration work and the collection of authentic parts to take place over the course of years, and many of Rittersbach’s customers were long distance or international. As a result, customers often relied on his assurances of what work was being done without seeing the work in person before paying him. Between 2018 and April 2022, Rittersbach made misrepresentations to customers, many via email and text message, about work and acquisitions he claimed to have completed to obtain money from these customers. His intent was to obtain money for the unfinished work he claimed was finished, and to stall his clients so he had enough time to complete the work.

For example, in 2019, Rittersbach falsely claimed over text message and email to Victim 1 that he had completed work on a Duesenberg engine, and emailed Victim 1 an invoice for $25,000. Victim 1 wired funds to the bank accounts controlled by Rittersbach. In addition, Rittersbach sent emails to Victim 2 overstating how much work had been completed on a 1964 Porsche in order to obtain payment for work he had not done but intended to complete in the future. Between 2018 and April 2022, Rittersbach defrauded victims of the scheme of a total amount of approximately $100,000.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2024, before Judge Wolford.