NORWICH – The Chenango County grand jury convened Wednesday and handed the owner of the now-closed Pine Valley Auto dealership seven felony charges.

Donald J. Newell, 49, was indicted on six counts of third degree grand larceny and one count of first degree scheme to defraud.

Newell was the owner of the used car dealership, Pine Valley Auto, which closed its doors suddenly in July. He was arrested following a lengthy investigation by the Sheriff’s Office which included the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

After a sudden closure of the business, several customers came forward with complaints regarding their dealings with the dealership. Later investigators determined many of these actions to be criminal.