New Jersey Man Sentenced: Conspiracy Involved Car Theft, VIN Tampering, and Fraudulent Sales
A New Jersey man has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for leading a scheme to steal vehicles, alter VINs, and sell them for profit.
Details of the Scheme
Nathaniel Bell, from Linden, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges. He admitted to receiving stolen vehicles, altering VINs, and transporting them across state lines. The stolen cars came from New Jersey, New York, and Florida. Bell and his co-conspirators would change the vehicles’ VINs, making them appear legitimate. They then sold these cars to dealerships and individuals..
Sentencing and Consequences
In addition to his prison sentence, Bell received three years of supervised release. He must also pay restitution. Bell’s co-conspirators have also been convicted. L’Hubermane Felix of Miami received a 24-month prison sentence. Johnathan Tanksley and Dayanna Sarango-Hidalgo, both from New Jersey, are awaiting sentencing.
The Risks of VIN Fraud
VIN fraud complicates car sales and creates serious problems for buyers and law enforcement. Buyers can unknowingly purchase stolen vehicles. This makes tracking these cars difficult for authorities.
To protect themselves, consumers should verify vehicle histories and inspect used cars carefully. Checking the VIN and ensuring it matches the car’s official records can help avoid falling victim to these scams.
For more updates on fraud cases, visit JacobiJournal.com.
Read the official report from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.