Jurors in the Scott Doll murder trial this afternoon were shown three videos from the Adesa auction house in Akron that covered three different auto transactions central to case.
Defense Attorney Daniel Killelea walked Warren Klaus, general manager of Adesa, through the videos and procedure of auction sales.
The first video of the auction block shown to jurors was from Sept. 9, 2008. It shows the silver Pontiac G6 in the auction.
Killelea asked Klaus if he could point out Scott Doll at any point during the first two video clips. Klaus repeatedly stated that he could not identify Doll.
A clip of the green Chevy Malibu being bid on was shown.
Killelea observed a male seen throughout one of the clips.
After showing the recording from Nov. 25, 2008, Killelea asked Klaus whether the individual who had won the bid on the 2006 Malibu appeared to be Scott Doll.
Warren Klaus replied, “no, but it looks like it could be Josh Doll."
“Doll’s son?” asked Killelea.
“Yes” testified Klaus.
The third video, combined short clips that were dated from different times to help the jury better understand the auction process. After it had been shown, Klaus stated, “another Tuesday at Adesa Buffalo” to emphasize that the auction occurs weekly, on Tuesdays.
Klaus also testified that the murder victim, Joseph Benaquist, was an authorized user on Doll's Adesa account at one time, but was removed on April 5, 2004, possibly to add someone else's name to the access list.
Under questioning by Killelea, Klaus acknowledged that in February 2009, more than seven people were listed on Doll's account with auction access.
Klaus added, “Yes, I would agree, and there appears to be more than seven authorized users.” It was also agreed that multiple holds were put on Doll’s access.
Dealer agents are required to have an access card to enter the auction, which is a swipable photo ID issued by the auction house. But Klaus acknowledged the entry process is insecure and people other than the authorized agent can use a valid card to enter the auction.
Even so, he said, employees come to know and recognize regular attendees.
Klaus said he didn't remember seeing Josh Doll at Adesa auctions.
The afternoon’s second witness was Christopher Crangle, assistant branch manager of Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC).
Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini questioned Crangle regarding his company’s role in dealing with “problem accounts” including collections, and loss prevention.
Crangle was asked to explain a “floor plan” where a line of credit is extended to car dealers to purchase automobiles.
Crangle testified that AFC was in receipt of the Pontiac G6 vehicle.
It was noted that the defendant placed the 2006 Malibu on the floor plan on Jan. 8, 2009.
But Scott Doll's account was restricted and he could not add more users to his account because there were some issues regarding Doll’s personal credit.
He had four delinquent accounts, which were $16,000 in arrears.
Crangle said he had followed up with Doll to notify him of his delinquent accounts.
Crangle testified that he contacted Doll four days before the Malibu was placed on the floor plan to advise him that AFC was freezing his credit, so he could not purchase more autos with through AFC.
The last witness to take the stand was Sarah Henninger, also an assistant branch manager from AFC.
She explained to the jury that her duty involves operations, including checking dealer compliance with floor plan requirements.
The company verifies the car’s existence, to make sure the owner has not secretly sold the vehicle, by performing "lot checks" at random.
Henninger testified that during an AFC lot check conducted on Jan. 9, 2009, Doll’s Dodge Grand Caravan was not on site as required by the floor plan.
Henninger said that Scott Doll eventually brought the vehicle in to AFC because the “vehicle was missing during the lot check on the account."
When Cianfrini asked Henninger where the Dodge Caravan was located during the check, Henninger agreed that Doll had said it was “in the garage."
Henninger then contacted SF Enterprises and she personally saw the vehicle on Jan. 13, confirming it was still in Doll’s possession.
Sarah Henninger testified that Scott Doll from SF Enterprises had the account with AFC, not Joseph Benaquist.
