PPD: Bronco Taken in Fake Repossession Scheme in Paragould

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould theft investigation led to the arrest of a man after police said a woman’s Ford Bronco was taken through a false repossession and later registered under a false VIN.

Rafael Salinas, 42, was arrested on suspicion of theft by receiving, a Class B felony.

According to a probable cause affidavit from the Paragould Police Department, officers responded May 20 to a residence in the 1800 block of East Lake Street to take a report. The victim told police her 2023 Ford Bronco, valued at about $30,000, had been repossessed April 2 by a co-defendant who owns Prestige Towing.

The woman told police she believed the repossession was legitimate and willingly gave over the keys. She also said she thought it was odd because Salinas had stopped at her home and expressed interest in the Bronco before it was taken, according to the affidavit.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Police said the victim later saw the vehicle at Prestige Towing’s tow yard, then saw photos of it posted by Salinas on one of his social media pages.

Detectives learned Salinas had been stopped by officers April 14 in a vehicle matching the Bronco’s description, according to the affidavit. Police later contacted the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Police, which provided paperwork showing Salinas purchased the vehicle from Prestige Towing for $2,600 on May 18. The paperwork showed the vehicle was filed with the state under a false VIN, police said.

Detectives also seized business paperwork from Prestige Towing on June 23. Police said 16 folders were found labeled with various vehicles and Salinas’ name written on them, including the victim’s vehicle. Some folders contained bills of sale with purchase prices well below fair market value, according to the affidavit.

During an interview with detectives, the co-defendant said Salinas approached her and claimed he thought the vehicle should be up for repossession. She later admitted she knew it was not up for repossession and said she sold it to Salinas, according to police.

Authorities said Salinas was later found working in Baxter County while in possession of the Bronco. The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and deputies seized the vehicle. Police said deputies found a bill of sale inside showing Salinas purchased the Bronco from Prestige Towing on April 14 for $4,450.

According to the affidavit, the two bills of sale listed different purchase dates and amounts for the same vehicle. Deputies also found the license plate returned to the false VIN, which did not match the correct VIN plate on the vehicle.

Bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety with an ankle monitor requirement and a no-contact order. Jail records also show an ICE hold on Salinas.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.