Opinion ID: 2428959
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Evidence of Similar Fraudulent Acts

Text: Smith asserts the trial court abused its discretion in excluding evidence that fourteen other dump trucks also had their odometers altered. These fourteen trucks, like Smith's truck, were previously owned by Landis, repossessed by Ford Motor Credit and assigned to WBF. Smith contends this evidence was admissible for the limited purpose of showing WBF's general scheme of intent to defraud. He emphasizes that intent to defraud is an element of his cause of action under the Federal Odometer Fraud Act. WBF moved in limine to exclude any reference to the fourteen trucks. In a written order responding to WBF's motion in limine, the trial court ruled any evidence relating to the other fourteen trucks would be more prejudicial than probative. This court has ruled that similar acts are admissible for the limited purpose of showing intent to defraud, not for showing the alleged fraud was actually committed, if the acts are of the same nature and close in point of time to the act in issue. Fulwider v. Woods, 249 Ark. 776, 461 S.W.2d 581 (1971). The jury found WBF was liable to Smith. Obviously, since Smith successfully proved WBF had the requisite intent to defraud, we cannot say that Smith demonstrated any prejudice from the exclusion of this evidence.