Waukegan Businessman Accused of Running Fake Vehicle Registration Operation
Arrest Warrant Issued for Reuben Collier
The Waukegan Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Reuben Collier, the operator of a licensing business, following an investigation into widespread fraud related to vehicle titles and registrations.
Investigation Uncovered
For the past year, the Waukegan Police Department’s Traffic and Criminal Investigations Division has been tracking the phony plates popping up in the area.
Police said they became suspicious when they noticed an unusual number of cars registered to Montana during routine traffic stops.
“When they started running the temporaries and contacting these out-of-state areas, they found out they were fictitious. Then they started tracking them and it wasn’t just Waukegan, it was a lot of neighboring towns with us as well,” said Deputy Chief Scott Chastain, Waukegan Police Department.
Link to Collier’s Business
Investigators tied the fraudulent temporary license plates to Collier, a local businessman who runs a licensing service.
Collier would charge between $600 and $1,000 for the service.
“They do all the paperwork. They give me a temporary tag to put on my car. Then they’re supposed to submit all that paperwork to the Secretary of State,” said Chastain.
Search Warrant Executed
On October 3, police executed a search warrant at Collier’s business located in the 3000 block of Sunset Avenue. No one was there at the time, but police contacted Collier by phone.
Collier reached out through an attorney and said he was going to turn himself in the following Monday, but that never happened, according to police.
Arrest Warrant Issued
A warrant has been issued for Collier’s arrest. He faces two counts of Forgery and two counts of Possession of Counterfeit Temporary Registration Permit.
Business Not Licensed or Authorized
According to the State of Illinois, Collier does not have a valid business license and is not an authorized licensing agent of the Secretary of State. Investigators discovered a fake business license on the wall while searching his workplace, police said.
More Victims Suspected
Police also believe there are more victims who haven’t yet come forward.
“You’re truly a victim of a crime. You didn’t do anything wrong by going to this business,” said Chastain. “We actually set up a hotline number specifically for this case.”
The Waukegan Police Department is urging anyone who fell victim to this scheme to contact the Waukegan Police Department’s Traffic Division hotline at (847) 599-2567 and file a report.
Side Note: Collier’s Checkered Past
Collier has also worked as an insurance agent and has been in trouble with the law in the past. In 2009, he pleaded guilty and was convicted of issuing fraudulent insurance certificates and keeping payments from clients intended for workers’ compensation insurance.
He was sentenced to 30 months of probation and 10 months of electronic home monitoring, along with other fines.
Conclusion
The Waukegan Police Department is warning residents to be cautious of unscrupulous businesses claiming to provide vehicle registration services. If you were a victim of Collier’s scheme, please contact the Waukegan Police Department’s Traffic Division hotline at (847) 599-2567 to file a report.
FAQs
* What is the nature of the crime committed by Reuben Collier? Collier is accused of running a fraudulent vehicle registration operation, issuing fake temporary license plates, and operating without a valid business license.
* How did the Waukegan Police Department initiate the investigation? The Waukegan Police Department’s Traffic and Criminal Investigations Division tracking phony plates popping up in the area.
* What is the next step for Collier’s case? A warrant has been issued for Collier’s arrest, and he faces two counts of Forgery and two counts of Possession of Counterfeit Temporary Registration Permit.
