The owner of an auto shop in Bloomingdale, New Jersey, has been arrested. He is accused of driving his customers’ vehicles without their consent, leading to multiple parking tickets and violations.
According to a press release issued by the Bloomingdale Police Department (BPD), the auto shop in question is Master Auto Repair. Multiple parties had shared multiple complaints with the police.
Owners had left their cars at the aforementioned, looking for transmission repairs or replacement. However, their vehicles had not been returned in a while, which concerned them deeply.
On top of that, some vehicle owners also detailed that they had been receiving parking tickets and E-ZPass violations. On top of that, some even alleged that their transmission were replaced with damaged or inferior ones, foregoing their previous original parts.
Investigation Begins, Auto Shop Owner Contacted
Both of these accusations made little sense to car owners. So, immediately, BPD officers started to investigate the matter.
Officers attempted to clarify the issues with the auto shop owner, identified as 64-year-old Jean Limage. He, however, refused to collaborate with the investigation and avoided police intervention, the BPD said.
Given his alleged negative, officers continued their investigation. They came across “substantial” evidence shortly after.
Substantial Evidence
The continued investigation led to the discovery of “substantial” evidence. The evidence in question showed photos of Limage allegedly using his customers’ vehicles for “personal purposes.” Such purposes were not specified.
Then, investigators determined that Limage had unlawfully retained customers’ vehicles, the press release said. Allegedly, he refused to return the cars to their rightful owners and even failed to issue refunds for the paid services.
As a result, a warrant for Limage’s arrest was issued. Days later, he would be placed in handcuffs.
Suspect Arrested, Charged
On Saturday, May 23, Jean Limage was observed walking on Main Street in Bloomingdale, potentially close to his auto shop. Officers arrested him without incident.
The 64-year-old man now faces multiple charges. These include theft of services and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Depending on the severity of the alleged theft, he could spend six months behind bars or receive up to a 10-year prison sentence.
The BPD detailed, however, that Limage could face additional charges. The investigation remains ongoing.