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Prosecutors alleged Harley used the Social Security number of an Erie woman to provide false information on the dealership's credit application when he attempted to purchase a 2006 Chrysler 300 vehicle valued at $22,223 on Feb. 6, 2007.
Authorities alleged Harley also submitted a fraudulent W-2 wage form, an income tax form and a Philadelphia Police Department pay stub as verification for the stolen Social Security number.
Assistant District Attorney Tracey Potere vowed to seek a prison sentence against Harley.
"As a police officer, the defendant's duty is to fight crime, not commit crime. He had a duty to uphold the law, not to break it," said Potere.
The open plea means Harley has no deals with prosecutors regarding his potential punishment.
Harley, who is represented by defense lawyer Richard Hark, faces a possible maximum sentence of seven to 14 years in prison on the charges. State sentencing guidelines also would allow for a probationary sentence.
President Judge Richard J. Hodgson deferred sentencing so that court officials can complete a background investigative report about Harley. The judge will use that report to assist him in sentencing Harley later this year.
Harley remains free on $10,000 unsecured bail pending his sentencing hearing.
Harley's attempt to purchase the vehicle was thwarted by dealership officials who used the Daimler-Chrysler Financial Services automated credit evaluation system to determine that the Social Security number used by Harley on the credit application belonged to the Erie woman.
Authorities determined Harley used the woman's identifying information without her permission.
When the manager of the dealership learned that Harley had used the fake Social Security number, the sales transaction was terminated, according to the criminal complaint filed by county Detective John Fallon.
"We do not know how he got the identity and the victim does not know Rufus Harley. She has no idea how he got it," Potere said.
The Erie woman told detectives she has never visited Philadelphia.
