Car Title Laundering Scheme Uncovered in Houston
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has filed felony charges against a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employee and another person in connection with a car title laundering scheme. This scheme involved stealing vehicles, swapping their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) with "clean" ones, and then selling them to unsuspecting buyers.
The Scheme
The auto theft operation worked by stealing vehicles and then selling them to good-faith purchasers. Before making the sale, the thieves would swap the VIN of the stolen vehicle with a "clean" VIN from a different vehicle of the same make and model. This allowed them to conceal the vehicle’s true identity and sell it as a legitimate vehicle.
The Role of the DMV Employee
DMV employee Carlisha Haywood was charged with bribery and two counts of tampering with a government record. Her co-conspirator, Xavier Goodwin Washington, was also charged with two counts of tampering with a government record. According to investigators, Goodwin Washington would bribe Haywood to exploit her access to official records as a DMV employee. Haywood would then obtain certified copies of car titles, which were used to commit the fraudulent sale.
The Investigation and Charges
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office worked with law enforcement officers to lead the investigation and operation. The DA’s office stated that the people of Harris County deserve to trust that their public institutions serve them, not criminal organizations that prey on innocent people. The office is committed to rooting out public corruption with integrity, determination, and urgency.
Statement from the District Attorney
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said, "Too many Houstonians have been victimized by car theft and fraud. I’m deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers who led this investigation and operation. They have our full support as we continue to root out public corruption."
Conclusion
The car title laundering scheme uncovered in Houston highlights the importance of trusting public institutions and the need to root out corruption. The charges filed against the DMV employee and her co-conspirator demonstrate the commitment of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to protecting the people of Harris County from criminal organizations. By working together with law enforcement officers, the DA’s office is dedicated to ensuring that public institutions serve the people, not criminal interests.
