Four arrested in auto sales scam

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004 | 8:56 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Four people have been arrested in Las Vegas in an auto scam in which dozens of peoples lost their vehicles, the state attorney general's office said Wednesday.

The four were arrested following a search of A & E Auto Savers and Alternative Auto in Las Vegas. They are Eddie Lopez, charged with 18 counts of theft and one count of forgery; Jose Aguilera, accused of one count of accessory to theft; Monica Page, charged with two counts of accessory to theft and one count of theft; and Misty Huff, charged with one count of theft.

Deputy Attorney General Neil Rombardo said the four would scan the newspapers looking for people who wanted to sell their vehicles.

After taking possession of the vehicle, A & E Auto Savers and Alternative Auto, for which the four operated, would make some payments but then the car would disappear and the payments would stop.

Rombardo said the four apparently sold or leased the cars.

Rombardo said those buying or leasing the cars did not lawfully possess the cars and never received the title to the vehicles.

People who feel they have been victims in this scam should contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection in Las Vegas at 486-3194.