PHOENIX, AZ - The owners of a Tucson used car lot are accused of fraudulent schemes, theft, illegally conducting an enterprise and money laundering.

Attorney General Terry Goddard announced Tuesday that 47-year-old John David "Jay" Franklin and his father, 72-year-old John D. Franklin, have been indicted after they allegedly defrauded individual buyers out of more than $50,000 through a scheme known as "shuffling titles."

The company allegedly assured buyers that the cars they were purchasing had clean titles, meaning there were no outstanding debts or liens on the cars. In many cases, there allegedly were significant existing liens on the cars.

When customers attempted to register their vehicles, they couldn't because of the existing lien.

Attempts at reaching the Franklins for comment were unsuccessful.