Manufacturing + Selling Fraudulent License Plates

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State Police Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Unit Arrests Providence Man for Forgery and Counterfeiting and Forgery and Counterfeiting of Registration Plates

Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent, of the Rhode Island State Police and Commissioner of Public Safety, announces the arrest of a Providence Used Auto Dealer on forgery and counterfeiting and forgery and counterfeiting of registration plates and certificates by the Rhode Island State Police Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Unit.

On January 22, 2015, Wilfredo A. Hernandez, age 29, of 71 Robin Street, Providence, Rhode Island was arrested and charged with manufacturing and selling fraudulent temporary registration certificates, plates and proof of insurance cards and offering them for sale on Craigslist.org.

The investigation originated from information received that Rhode Island temporary registration plates were available for sale on the internet website Craigslist.org. Subsequent investigation resulted in detectives purchasing a fraudulent temporary registration certificate and plate from the Craigslist.org poster for $85.00. Court authorized search warrants to Craigslist.org and Verizon Internet Services revealed that the classifieds were posted from Mr. Hernandez's residence and business.

Members subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Hernandez for the alleged forgery and counterfeiting.

On January 22, 2015, members executed court-authorized search warrants at Mr. Hernandez's residence at 71 Robin Street, Providence, Rhode Island and at the Used Car dealership, In Town Auto Sales and Service at 11 East Josephine Street, Cranston Rhode Island. Several computers and documents were seized at both locations.

On January 22, 2015, Mr. Hernandez was processed at the State Police Lincoln Woods Barracks and arraigned at Sixth Division District Court, Garrahy Judicial Complex, One Dorrance Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island before the Honorable Magistrate Joseph P. Ipploitto Jr. where he was released on $10,000 personal recognizance. A pre-trial conference date was schedule for March 30, 3015.

Any person, who commits forgery and counterfeiting, is guilty of a felony, and upon conviction may be imprisoned for not more than ten (10) years or by a fine of not more than $1000.00 or both. A person who counterfeits registration plates is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine of not more than $500.00 or both.

Related links

Department or agency: Rhode Island State Police

Online: http://www.risp.ri.gov

Release date: 01-23-2015