TRENTON - Division of Criminal Justice Director Vaughn L. McKoy announced that the Division of Criminal Justice - Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor has obtained an indictment charging a Union County man with receiving stolen property, altering automobile VIN numbers, and obstructing law enforcement for operating a stolen vehicle with an altered VIN and fleeing from the police.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, Julio C. Cid-Peralta, 28, St. George Avenue, Rahway, Union County, was charged with receiving stolen property and certain alterations of motor vehicle trademarks identification (both 3rd degree), as well as obstructing administration of law or other governmental function (4th degree). If convicted of all charges, Cid-Peralta faces up to 111/2 years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $40,000.

The Union County Grand Jury indictment charges that on April 15, 2004, Cid-Peralta was driving a stolen 1993 Mazda RX7 with an altered Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). An investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice determined that, when stopped by the Linden Police Department while driving the alleged stolen car, Cid-Peralta exited the vehicle and fled from the police.

VIN numbers are placed on cars by manufacturers and used to identify specific cars. Frequently persons who steal cars will change the VIN number to conceal the identity of the car and the fact that it was stolen, sometimes in connection with submitting phony automobile insurance theft claims.

State Investigators Jeffrey Lorman and Jarek Pyrzanowski, Civil Investigator John Farley, and Deputy Attorney General Jacqueline D. Smith were assigned to the investigation. DAG Smith represented the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor before the Union County Grand Jury. The Linden Police Department assisted in the investigation.

The indictment, which was handed up on Jan. 25, is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

# # #