Suspicious Van In Parking Lot Leads To Brooklyn Trio's Arrest On Identity Theft Related Charges: Police

MAHOPAC, NY — A trio from Brooklyn aroused suspicion at a Carmel business, and things only got more curious from there, according to cops.

The Town of Carmel Police Department says that three Brooklyn residents were arrested after an investigation into fraudulent activity and the unauthorized use of a rental van.

On Feb. 1, the department's K-9 officer responded to the Skyline Towing parking lot on Route 6 after receiving a report of a suspicious U-Haul van. Officers found the white U-Haul with an Arizona registration occupied by two men and one woman.

While questioned by an officer, the three gave "repeated inconsistent and deceptive statements" about their travel and the reason they were in Mahopac.

A search of the van led to officers finding three new iPads, five new iPhones, and new AirPods Pro Max in original packaging. In addition, police found receipts from fraudulent purchases made using a Westchester, Illinois victim's identity and financial information, police said.

Searches of the suspects led to two counterfeit Illinois driver's licenses with fake identities and several stolen bank cards, according to police.

The rental company told police that the U-Haul was significantly overdue and that the occupants were unauthorized to have or drive the vehicle at that time.

The three were arrested and each charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property; third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument; second-degree criminal impersonation; and third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle.

After processing at Carmel Police Department headquarters, they were scheduled to appear at a later date in the Town of Carmel Justice Court.

The Carmel Police Department thanks the public for reporting suspicious activity and asks that anyone with information call 845-628-1300.