New Arrest In Massive Arkansas Repo Fraud

PARAGOULD, Ark. (KAIT) – Police arrested a Paragould man in connection with a large-scale vehicle repossession scheme.

Rafael Salinas is being held on a $50,000 bond after Greene County District Judge Curtis Hitt found probable cause to charge him with theft by receiving.

In May, a woman reported that Salinas and Heather Patterson, owner of Prestige Towing, came to her home on April 2 to repossess her 2023 Ford Bronco, valued at around $30,000.

The victim told investigators she thought the repossession was legitimate and willingly gave Patterson the keys, Corporal Johnathon Porter said. The victim said she thought it was odd because Salinas had stopped by her home and expressed interest in the vehicle before Patterson took it away.

The victim said she later saw the SUV in the company’s tow yard, then saw Salinas had posted it on his social media page.

According to information provided by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Salinas purchased the vehicle from Prestige Towing for $2,600, court documents said. The paperwork also showed the vehicle was registered under a false vehicle identification number but insured using the correct VIN.

On June 23, detectives seized 16 folders at Prestige Towing containing bills of sale with purchase prices well below fair market value.

During a Mirandized interview, Patterson said Salinas approached her and told her he thought the victim’s vehicle should be up for repossession. Following that conversation, Salinas dropped Patterson off at the victim’s home to take the vehicle, which she knew was not up for repossession. After further questioning, Patterson admitted she sold the SUV to Salinas, the affidavit said.

After learning Salinas was working in Baxter County, detectives contacted the sheriff’s office there and deputies seized the vehicle. Court documents show deputies found a bill of sale showing Salinas purchased the vehicle from Prestige Towing for $4,450.

“The two bills of sale show different purchase dates and amounts for the same vehicle,” Porter said. “Deputies also ran the license plate on the vehicle, and the return showed the false VIN it was registered under that did not match the correct VIN plate on the vehicle.”