Michigan – According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a former detective lieutenant from the Lincoln Township Police Department has been charged with several felonies for allegedly falsifying reports on salvage vehicle inspections.
On October 22, Judge Charles LaSata heard Johnathan Chase’s case in St. Joseph’s 5th District Court. He is 54 years old and lives in Stevensville. Chase, who used to be in charge of certifying damaged vehicles for the department, sent the Michigan Department of State false inspection paperwork, according to prosecutors.
He is now charged with eight charges of False Certification, each of which could result in a prison sentence of up to five years. He is also facing two counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, which is a seven-year felony, and one count of Misconduct in Office, which is a five-year felony.
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Attorney General Nessel highlighted the significance of these inspections, saying that they make sure that damaged or rebuilt cars are safe and don’t have any stolen parts.
“When law enforcement officers abuse their authority and compromise that process, they not only betray public trust but also put innocent owners at risk. I appreciate the Michigan State Police for bringing this matter to our attention, and we will continue to hold those who misuse their positions accountable,” Nessel said.
According to reports, Chase was the sole officer in the department who was responsible for doing and certifying salvage inspections. These checks need a lot of work to make sure that all of a vehicle’s parts are in good shape, especially those that were replaced or rebuilt after an accident or theft. Investigators said that Chase made up various records that misrepresented the source or legitimacy of parts used in some cars.
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The Michigan State Police Southwest Commercial Auto Recovery Team (SCAR) started looking into the case after hearing about problems with the paperwork. The Attorney General’s Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement (FORCE) Team, which looks into complicated crimes involving money and property, later took up the investigation.
Chase is set to go back to court on October 31. If he is found guilty, he may spend years in prison and lose his law enforcement certification.
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The FORCE Team, which started in early 2023, is the first of its type in the United States. It brings together state investigators, prosecutors, and federal partners to fight organized retail and associated fraud schemes. The team works with the FBI’s Detroit Fraud and Financial Crimes Task Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and big stores to find and bring down people and groups that are making money from illegal activities.