Tow Truck Operator Discovers ID Theft Evidence: Warrant

UNION, CT — A tow truck driver discovered a stash of identity theft materials in a seized car and a New York City man has been charged as a result, an arrest warrant indicates.

The case involving 25-year-old Carmelo Celestin dates back to July 3, when, at 8:01 p.m., a trooper clocked a silver BMW 330i going 86 mph heading eastbound in Union, according to a warrant.

He was wanted for skipping court on the charges and surrendered on Friday, state police said. Three warrants detail charges ranging from reckless driving to driving without a license to payment card fraud to identity theft and forgery.

According to warrants, on that July day, he first handed over a fake driver's license to state police. Eight credit and debit cards were also found on him.

State police had the vehicle towed and a short time later received a call from the tow truck operator, who located a backpack full of sheets detailing people's personal information when inspecting the car, part of the standard procedure, according to warrants.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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