The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation after multiple complaints that a Lockeford RV lot may have sold or transferred recreational vehicles without properly notifying the actual owners. Detectives say several rigs are unaccounted for, and anyone who believes their RV is still on the property is being invited to come by during set hours with proof of ownership to claim it. Investigators are also asking recent buyers and anyone with information to get in touch so they can start untangling titles and ownership records.
San Joaquin Sheriff: How to Get Help
In a Facebook post, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said investigators are working to identify victims of the alleged sales and urged purchasers to contact lead investigator Detective Dodge at [email protected] or the sheriff's non‑emergency line at 209‑468‑4400. The post notes that multiple RVs “may have been sold” without completing the required Department of Motor Vehicles paperwork. It also directs anyone who believes their RV is still on the lot to come to the property between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM with proof of ownership to retrieve the vehicle.
What Local Buyers Say Happened
Local buyers told law enforcement and local television outlets that at least one couple believes they are out thousands of dollars after leaving their trailer with the dealer to resell. As reported by CBS Sacramento, Mark and Sheila Christiansen say they paid Carson Pass RV $10,000 in May 2025 to resell their travel trailer and later discovered the business closed and the trailer gone. CBS reported staff could not be reached and that a “Permanently closed” sign was posted at the gate when reporters visited the lot.
Dealership Details and Where It Operated
The lot named in complaints operates as Carson Pass RV at 19226 N. Highway 88 in Lockeford, and the business still has an active website listing inventory and contact details. Carson Pass RV lists that address and a local phone number, while consumer listings, including the Better Business Bureau, show the same location along with several customer reviews. Reporters attempting to reach the dealer directly said the office was unmanned when they visited, according to local coverage.
What Happens Next
The Sheriff’s Office says it will share updates as detectives identify potential victims and work through the vehicle titles. The agency is urging anyone who paid for an RV or left one on the lot for resale or storage to step forward. The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office post includes the email address for lead Detective Dodge and the sheriff’s non‑emergency phone number. In the meantime, county investigators and affected owners may have to reconstruct sales agreements and DMV records piece by piece to confirm who legally owns each vehicle.
Legal Questions Hanging Over the Lot
So far the Sheriff’s Office has not announced any charges and says the case remains under investigation. If detectives conclude that vehicles were sold or transferred without the owners’ consent, those findings could lead to civil claims or criminal charges under state law. Potential victims are being advised to hold onto any paperwork, titles and communications and to consult law enforcement or an attorney. Consumers with questions about title transfers can also contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles for guidance on ownership paperwork and recordkeeping through the California DMV.
