Charges announced in central Pa.-based 'chop shop' operation

Attorney General Dave Sunday, alongside the Pennsylvania State Police, has announced charges against multiple individuals involved in a central Pennsylvania-based "chop shop" operation. This criminal enterprise was linked to vehicle title washing, fraudulent vehicle inspections, and identity theft.

The investigation by the Office of Attorney General and state police included presentments from the 52nd Statewide Investigating Grand Jury concerning two related criminal enterprises. These were led by Angel Vidal at his "chop shop" location in Lebanon and Yonathan Peguero-Rodriguez along with Johandeiry Bonilla at El Fuerte Auto Sales and El Fuerte Tire & Auto, both also located in Lebanon.

In total, 15 individuals and the two El Fuerte business entities face numerous charges such as corrupt organizations, insurance fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and forgery.

Investigators claim that these criminal organizations profited over half a million dollars. Many Pennsylvanians were affected through identity theft or by unknowingly purchasing vehicles from the "chop shop." Additionally, there were concerns about unsafe vehicles on roadways due to improper inspections.

"This complex scheme involved many different types of criminal behavior that directly victimized Pennsylvanians or put drivers and passengers at risk by being in the path of vehicles that may have been unsafe," stated Attorney General Sunday. He commended investigators from their Insurance Fraud and Organized Crime sections as well as the Pennsylvania State Police for dismantling these operations.

The announcement included remarks from Attorney General Dave Sunday, Chief Deputy Attorney General Rob Labar, and Captain James A. Reinard of the Pennsylvania State Police.