UTICA, NY — A Waterville man has been arrested following a joint investigation into an illegal vehicle repossession by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Michael Romanowski, 45, was arrested June 2 and charged with grand larceny third degree, a Class D felony, and criminal possession of stolen property fourth degree, a Class E felony.
He was also charged by Department of Motor Vehicles investigators with two counts of possession of a forged instrument, both Class E felonies.
According to Sheriff Robert Maciol, the investigation began May 28 when sheriff’s patrol responded to M.D. Auto, located at 2116 Oriskany Street West in Utica, for a repossession report.
Romanowski, who owns M.D. Auto, reported he had repossessed a 2019 Dodge Ram pickup truck from HMI Pratt and Whitney, located at 2395 Main Street in Clayville.
The vehicle’s owners later reported to the Sheriff’s Office that their truck had been repossessed illegally.
Investigators determined the owners had allowed Romanowski to perform work on the truck in January, but he had not completed the work and the owners retrieved their vehicle in February.
In an attempt to collect money he claimed was owed, Romanowski filed a civil claim in Oneida City Court.
After filing the claim, Romanowski completed Department of Motor Vehicle documents claiming a mechanic’s lien and repossession.
M.D. Auto is not a registered or licensed repair shop, and Romanowski could not legally complete these documents, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators learned the bank and lien holder of the truck never authorized the repossession.
Romanowski had gone to HMI Pratt and Whitney and took the truck from the lot without permission from the owners or bank, according to investigators.
Romanowski had scheduled to have the truck sent to auction June 3.
On June 1, investigators located and recovered the truck at M.D. Auto.
Romanowski arrived at the Sheriff’s Office June 2 and was arrested.
Sheriff’s deputies and Department of Motor Vehicles investigators found Romanowski’s flatbed tow truck illegally parked in a handicapped spot in the Sheriff’s Office parking lot with a switched inspection sticker.
The flatbed truck was towed by Department of Motor Vehicles investigators, who also issued Romanowski traffic tickets.
Romanowski was processed and arraigned at CAP Court, where he was remanded to the Oneida County Correctional Facility without bail.
