Kyle man accused of defrauding car buyers on social media: sheriff

FOX 7 Austin, By Elizabeth Evans, October 2, 2025

KYLE, Texas — A Kyle man is behind bars after he allegedly defrauded people through social media platforms after losing his dealership license.

49-year-old Joseph Browning was arrested on Sept. 22 following a yearlong joint investigation between the Hays County Sheriff's Office and Texas DPS.

HCSO says that he was under investigation for fraudulently selling and buying vehicles over several years. His license to operate a dealership had already been revoked, but investigators learned he had continued selling and buying vehicles through social media, including Facebook Marketplace.

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