Urgent Investigation Launched Into License Plate Fraud in Jamestown

UPDATE: Serious allegations of license plate fraud in Jamestown have prompted an urgent investigation by local officials. Mayor Kimberly Ecklund has confirmed that residents who legally surrendered their license plates are now victims of fraudulent charges, raising alarms across Chautauqua County.

The troubling situation came to light following an investigation by Call 4 Action, revealing that multiple drivers have faced unexpected toll violations after surrendering their plates at the Jamestown DMV. In a 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.”

Residents affected by this issue are urged to take immediate action. Mayor Ecklund advises contacting the Chautauqua County Clerk’s Office and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for guidance on next steps. Additionally, individuals should file a report with the Jamestown Police Department and submit formal complaints to the New York State Inspector General’s Office, which investigates misconduct and fraud within state agencies.

One victim, Debbie Bonovitch, surrendered her old license plate on June 5, 2023, only to be bombarded with nearly $6,000 in toll fees tied to her old plate number, which was fraudulently used on another vehicle. “I want them to get to the bottom of it and not let it happen again,” Bonovitch stated, expressing frustration after months of navigating bureaucracy to resolve the issue.

Reports indicate that Bonovitch’s old plate ended up on a Nissan Altima, leading to toll violations across Delaware and Pennsylvania. Fees escalated due to additional charges, causing her to face toll bills that included a $3 toll ballooning to $53.

The Delaware Department of Transportation has confirmed that the tolls related to Bonovitch’s situation have been voided after reviewing her case. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Turnpike has indicated that they cannot discuss specific cases due to customer privacy laws but confirmed that billing related to her old plate has ceased.

Mayor Ecklund’s office acknowledges that while this matter falls outside the city’s direct authority, they are committed to assisting residents affected by these allegations. “Although this matter falls outside the City’s direct authority, we take these allegations seriously and will continue to assist residents,” she stated.

Residents are encouraged to submit complaints and share their experiences to help local news outlets investigate further. This growing issue has sparked a public outcry, highlighting the need for clear communication and support for those impacted.

Authorities report that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is actively investigating these fraud concerns. With multiple complaints surfacing, it is critical for the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to their surrendered plates.

As this situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves from potential fraud. Local officials are working diligently to ensure that the concerns of affected residents are addressed and that proper measures are implemented to prevent future incidents.

Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent issue as officials continue their investigation.