N.J. Man’s Appetite for Stolen Cars Lands Him in Hot Water; Could Face 10 Years in State Pen

New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Director Vaughn McKoy announced that an Essex County man has pleaded guilty to receiving stolen automobiles worth more than $75,000.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden-Brown, Anthony C. Josephs, 27, of Newark, pleaded guilty before Essex County Superior Court Judge Paul Vichness to a criminal Accusation filed by the Division of Criminal Justice – Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.

The Accusation charged Josephs with receiving stolen property (2nd degree). When sentenced on July 25, Josephs faces up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Josephs may also face civil insurance fraud fines pursuant to the Insurance Fraud Prevention Act.

At the guilty plea hearing, Josephs reportedly admitted that between December 2002 and January 2004, he received stolen cars including a 2004 Cadillac Escalade and a 2000 Porsche Boxter. The combine value of the stolen cars was more than $75,000.

An investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice – Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor determined that Josephs and others would appear at dealerships, test drive expensive cars, and switch the real ignition key to the cars with a fake key. Later, they would return to the dealership and use the real ignition key to steal the cars.

Included among the victims in this case is Gold Cadillac in Oakhurst, Monmouth County.