JUNE 24., 1998

FORMER DMV INVESTIGATOR AND AN OWNER OF A USED CAR DEALERSHIP ARRESTED IN DMV TITLE DOCUMENT SCHEME

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, joined by New York State Police Superintendent James W. McMahon. and New York State Inspector General Roslynn R. Mauskopf, today announced the arrest of a former investigator for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and one of the owners of a Bronx used car dealership on charges of running a scheme to illegally obtain DMV title documents for cars that the dealership rebuilt with stolen parts.

District Attorney Brown said, "These arrests represent another example of our ongoing efforts to reduce auto-related crime. In this case one of the owners of a used car dealership known as Numero Uno Auto Sales at 1425 Bruckner Blvd. in the Bronx are charged with bribing a former DMV investigator who was responsible for inspecting vehicles for stolen parts or other signs that a car was illegally obtained so that the investigator would overlook the fact that their vehicles were rebuilt with stolen parts and pass the vehicles upon inspection. Once passed, proper title documents could be issued."

New York State Police Superintendent James W. McMahon said, "New York State Troopers have been working hand in hand with law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in New York City for nearly fifty years. This case is another example of Governor George Pataki's commitment of state resources to this region of the state. By utilizing a proactive team approach to the problem we have helped identify and disrupt a major area of criminal activity which ultimately costs New Yorkers millions of dollars in increased insurance premiums and related costs."

Inspector General Mauskopf said, "These DMV inspection stations serve as a critical safeguard to stop the flow of stolen autos and auto parts. These defendants allegedly turned one station into an illegal 'car wash' -- one that cleansed tainted vehicles so that they may be sold in the legitimate market without any trace of their criminal origins. Such corrupt conduct can not and will not be tolerated."

DMV Commissioner Richard E. Jackson, Jr., said, "The State Department of Motor Vehicles is working hard to reduce the incidence of stolen vehicles and automobile parts in the marketplace. Today's arrest is part of that effort and demonstrates that, even though the vast majority of DMV employees are honest and hardworking, we are policing ourselves to ensure that consumers are protected."

District Attorney Brown identified the former investigator as Byron Hicks, 35, of 21 Wilson Ave., Deer Park, New York, and the dealership owner as Gevik (aka David) Atakhanian, 32, of 246-06 51st Ave., Douglaston. The defendant Hicks is charged with four counts of bribe receiving and four counts of official misconduct. The defendant Atakhanian is charged with four counts of bribery. If convicted of the charges they face up to seven years in prison.

In addition to the arrest of the defendants Hicks and Atakhanian, District Attorney Brown said that Yourik (aka Eddie) Atakhanian, 34, of 246-06 51st Ave., Douglaston, was arrested today and charged with forgery, offering a false instrument for filing and falsifying business records. It is alleged that in September 1997, he forged the name of a process server on a notice of service to a litigant in a civil action; falsely certifying that the notice had been served.

The investigation leading to the arrests was conducted jointly by District Attorney Brown's Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau, the State Inspector General's Office and members of the New York State Police Unit assigned to the District Attorney's Office. District Attorney Brown also acknowledged the cooperation and assistance of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the New York City Police Department's Bronx Auto Crime Unit and the National Insurance Crime Bureau?

According to the charges against the defendants Hicks and Gevik Atakhanian, during a six-week period from November 12th to December 29, 1997, Gevik Atakhanian allegedly paid four bribes on three occasions to the defendant Hicks to pass four cars. On November 12th, for example, it is charged that Gevik Atakhanian arranged for $600 to be given to the defendant Hicks so that a 1997 Jeep Cherokee and a 1995 BMW would pass inspection. Other bribes were allegedly paid on December 2nd ($50) to pass a 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse and an unknown sum of money on December 29th to pass a 1997 Lexus.

Investigator Dale Richter of the State Inspector General's Office and Sr. Investigator John Cassino and Investigator Rodney Polite of the New York State Police carried out the investigation and arrested the defendants this morning.

Assistant District Attorney Gregory C. Pavlides is assigned to prosecute the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Brian J. Mich and the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations Robert D. Alexander.

It is to be noted that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.