BLOOMINGDALE, NJ — The owner of a local auto repair shop faces theft and motor vehicle charges following a months-long investigation into customer complaints.
Jean Limage, 64, of Teaneck, was arrested Saturday on Main Street without incident by Sgt. Fatzer and Ptl. Hennessy.
The Bloomingdale Police Department received numerous complaints from vehicle owners regarding Master Auto Repair, located in Bloomingdale.
Complainants reported dropping off their vehicles for transmission repairs or replacements but not receiving them back for extended periods.
Several vehicle owners began receiving parking tickets and E-ZPass violations tied to vehicles that should have remained at the repair shop.
Other complainants reported no transmission work had been performed on their vehicles, while some alleged inferior or damaged transmissions had been installed in place of their original units.
Officers attempted to resolve the matter by contacting Limage, who allegedly avoided police intervention and repeatedly refused to cooperate with investigators.
During the investigation, officers developed substantial evidence, including photographic evidence, showing Limage using customers’ vehicles for personal purposes.
Investigators also determined Limage unlawfully retained customers’ vehicles, refused to return them to their rightful owners and failed to refund money paid for services.
Limage was charged with theft of services and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.
Limage was processed on the charges and remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending future court proceedings.
