Ex-music store owner sentenced for fraud

PORTLAND – The owner of a former Lewiston music store has been sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for fraud arising from the sale of musical instruments and automobiles at Internet auction sites.

Roland LaCombe, 49, of Brunswick also was ordered to pay restitution of more than $375,000 to 90 victims, U.S. Attorney Paula Silsby said Friday.

LaCombe never delivered musical instruments and cars he sold over the Internet, according to documents filed with the court.

After promising refunds to some customers, he gave them forged checks or checks on closed accounts and accounts with insufficient funds. LaCombe also admitted engaging in shill bidding at some of his auctions in order to drive up the final price.

He pleaded guilty to fraud charges in November 2001.