The owner of a now-closed used-car store in downtown Wichita, Kansas, was sentenced for using threats and fraud in connection to his business.

Abdallah "Adam" Alashqar, pleaded guilty in May to two counts of criminal threat and one count of felony theft related to the operation of Adams Auto Sales & Repairs. The Sedgwick County District Attorney dismissed additional counts of forgery and theft as part of the plea.

Alashqar was granted probation in the case and ordered to pay $44,500 in restitution to two victims. He could serve 12 months in prison for violating the probation conditions.

An investigation showed Alashqar threatened customers who complained about the used cars that they purchased at his lot. Evidence presented in court showed Alashqar also defrauded his bank by cashing a worthless check and then spending the proceeds. As part of the plea agreement, Alashqar handed over a $3,000 refund check to a woman who bought a car from him. He also transferred a parcel of real estate back to a former employee who had tried to buy an interest in the failing business.

Alashqar ran the car lot with his brother, Obada Alashqar. The younger brother was previously convicted of one felony count of conspiracy to impair a security interest for defrauding the finance company that provided a line of credit for the business.

Obada Alashqar was ordered to pay $15,739.92 to NextGear Capital. The Alashqar brothers were previously ordered to pay $526,802 in a civil judgment against them and their dealership.