Pennsylvania court records show Key Auto Group pleaded guilty in August to four counts of unprofessional conduct or incompetency. Two small claims cases involving DiLorenzo and his businesses are still open in New Hampshire.
Anthony DiLorenzo’s car company pleaded guilty in August to four counts of unprofessional conduct or incompetency under Pennsylvania’s car dealer law, according to Pennsylvania court records.
Thirteen days later, DiLorenzo won the Republican primary in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District.
DiLorenzo, a Trump-endorsed Portsmouth businessman, owns Key Auto Group, which runs 21 car dealerships and 12 collision centers in nine states. He faces Democrat Stefany Shaheen on Nov. 3 for the open seat. New Hampshire Democrats say his financial disclosure hides millions from voters.
Two New Hampshire small claims cases filed during DiLorenzo’s campaign are still pending.
George Perry sued DiLorenzo personally, along with others, in Salem in May. The claim is between $5,001 and $10,000, and the docket doesn’t say what the dispute is about. A pretrial conference is set for Nov. 10, a week after the election.
Michelle Heller-Leo sued Portsmouth Chevrolet in February. The dealership is part of Key Auto Group, and DiLorenzo is its registered agent, the person designated to receive legal papers for the business. The case went to mediation in June and is still listed as pending.
What did the company plead guilty to?
Pennsylvania State Police filed four citations against Key Auto Group on Aug. 7, all under a single incident number in Hazle Township, Luzerne County. The company pleaded guilty Aug. 26.
Each count fell under a part of the law covering conduct “in connection with the sale of vehicles which clearly demonstrates unprofessional conduct or incompetency.” Pennsylvania says the law exists “to protect the public interest in the purchase and trade of vehicles.”
The court records list only the legal category of each offense. They don’t say what the company did or who was responsible.
The charges were summary offenses, which are less serious than misdemeanors under Pennsylvania law. Key Auto Group paid a $1,000 fine for each count and more than $4,200 in all, including court costs, court records show.
How is DiLorenzo tied to the company?
New Hampshire lists Key Auto Group as a trade name registered to DiLorenzo himself. The Pennsylvania court listed the company at a Portsmouth address.
Key Auto Group bought a Ford dealership in Hazleton in January 2023, according to the brokerage that handled the sale, which said DiLorenzo founded the company. The store now operates as Key Ford of Hazleton, and Pennsylvania lists DiLorenzo as one of its owners.
The court records don’t name which business location was involved.
