Urgent Investigation: Jamestown DMV License Plate Fraud Exposed

UPDATE: Serious allegations of license plate fraud at the Jamestown DMV are sparking immediate concern among residents. Mayor Kimberly Ecklund has responded to a recent investigation revealing that drivers who legally surrendered their plates are now victims of fraudulent charges, including hefty toll fees.

Authorities are urging affected residents to act swiftly. In her statement, Mayor Ecklund emphasized, “The City of Jamestown is aware of serious allegations involving the potential misuse of license plates that were properly surrendered at the Jamestown DMV.” This alarming situation raises significant concerns for the community, prompting calls for immediate action.

Multiple drivers, including local resident Debbie Bonovitch, have reported being inundated with toll violations amounting to nearly $6,000 after surrendering their plates. Bonovitch surrendered her old plates on June 5, 2023, only to receive numerous toll bills from states she never visited, including Delaware and Pennsylvania.

“I want them to get to the bottom of it and not let it happen again,” Bonovitch stated, highlighting the emotional toll this situation has taken on her life. Her ordeal began when her surrendered plate number was fraudulently used on a car in another state, leading to a barrage of fees and penalties.

The Mayor’s Office is advising residents who believe they have been impacted to take the following steps:
– Contact the Chautauqua County Clerk’s Office and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for guidance.
– File a report with the Jamestown Police Department to document the situation.
– Submit a formal complaint to the New York State Inspector General’s Office, which investigates allegations of misconduct and fraud.

As Bonovitch shared her frustration, she noted, “To make phone calls and try to get to the bottom of it, you’re on hold for a while… it’s just over and over again, it’s aggravating.” Her attorney, Eddie Sundquist, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the overwhelming bureaucracy residents face when navigating such issues.

In response to these allegations, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has confirmed it is “actively investigating” the fraud concerns in Jamestown and Chautauqua County. Officials stress that while DMV operations are managed by Chautauqua County, the city is committed to assisting affected residents in connecting with the appropriate resources.

This ongoing investigation is drawing attention to the need for systemic changes in how surrendered license plates are handled. As more residents come forward, the urgency for a resolution grows. Local authorities are under pressure to ensure that measures are implemented to prevent future fraudulent activities.

For now, residents are encouraged to report any similar issues and stay vigilant. The Jamestown community is rallying together, demanding accountability and transparency as they navigate this troubling situation. Residents can also submit complaints through Call 4 Action, allowing local news outlets to further investigate their cases.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.